






Pass GrV°\5\ 



Gopyiigiu N?._ 

COFffilGHT DEPOSIT. 




















































\ 























A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL 

FOR HIGH SCHOOL COACHES 


BY CHARLES W. BACHMAN 

'\ . 

Head Coach, Kansas State Agricultural College 


FIRST EDITION 


* f 


♦ . 


Manhattan, Kansas 

Department of Industrial Journalism and Printing 
Kansas State Agricultural College 
1923 


GVisi 

I1&3 


Copyright, 1923 

By CHARLES W. BACHMAN 


SEP 17 *23 


©C1A759096 




{ 


PREFACE 

Several good books have been written on football, but 
without exception they have been intended for the use of 
coaches and players of college and university teams. It 
is the purpose of this book to deal only in fundamentals of 
football, and to place in the hands of high school coaches 
and- players a simple, yet effective system of offense and 
defense. Simplicity has always been and always will be 
the foundation upon which successful systems of football 
are built. This is especially true of high school teams 
where, because of the comparative youth of the personnel, 
they lack the power to grasp and to execute complicated 
formations and plays. 

Too often the high school coach has just recently grad¬ 
uated from college and his knowledge of football is con¬ 
fined to the system of offense that he learned at school. 
As is generally the case that particular offense, while well 
suited to college men of maturer years, is far over the 
heads of the pupils under his charge. Again, many high 
school coaches proceed upon the theory that all that a high 
school team needs is a vast assortment of trick plays 
which are taught without reference to the time, position of 
the field, and conditions under which they might reason¬ 
ably be expected to work. To sacrifice the fundamentals of 
football in favor of fancy formations and plays is to in¬ 
vite disaster. 

Football is a team game and the eleven that is well 
versed in fundamentals, that knows and thinks football, 
and possesses a simple offense which is understood by all 
and which is executed with clock-like precision, may rea¬ 
sonably be expected to win over a team with a complicated 
offense which is ragged in execution and calls for all of 
the high school boy’s mental effort in trying to remember 
his particular assignment on each play. 

Instead of spending the greater part of the time allotted 
to the afternoon’s practice in teaching a heavy offense 
which calls for a lot of signal practice, it is better to teach 
the team a simple offense which will require little 
time, and to use the rest of the afternoon to teach tack¬ 
ling, blocking, charging and the other fundamentals of the 
game which are all-important. 


Charles W. Baciiman. 







. 






































' 





. 
























" 



















TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Equipment 

a. head helmet, 7 

b. jersey, 7 

c. shoulder pad, 8 

d. pants, 8 

e. stockings, 8 

f. shoes, 8 

g. special protectors, 9 

h. supporters, 9 


Conditioning And Development Of Team 

a. training rules, 10 

b. weekly schedule, 10 

c. first week, 10-11 

d. second week, 11-12 

e. third and remaining weeks, 12 

f. daily work schedule, 13-14 

g. physical exercises, 14 


Injuries 


a. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

e. 

f. 
S- 


injuries to 
injuries to 
injuries to 
injuries to 
injuries to 
injuries to 
injuries to 


spinal cord and brain, 15 

knee, 15 

thigh, 16 

hip, 16 

ribs, 16 

ankle, 16 

shoulder, 16-17 


Bandaging 

a. figure eight bandage, 17 

b. single football bandage, 17-18 

c. double football bandage, 18 

d. knee bandage. 18-19 

e. elbow bandage, 19 


Minor Injuries 

a. cuts and bruises, 20 

b. boils, 20 

c. blisters, 20 


Mechanical Devices 

a. tackling dummy, 21 

b. tackling gallows. 21-22 

c. bucking strap, 22-23 

d. stride boxes, 23-24 

e. charging sled, 24-25 

Falling On Ball 


Tackling 


7-y 


10-14 


15-17 


17-19 


20 


21-25 


26 

27-28 


Blocking 29-30 

a. rolling-body block, 29 

b. body block, 29-30 

c. shoulder-block, back-field men, 30 

d. shoulder-block, linemen. 64-65 


Punting 

31-32 

Place-kicking 

33-34 

Drop-kicking 

35 

Kick-off 

36 

Forward-passing 

a. standing pass, 37 

b. running pass, 38-39 

37-39 

Receiving Of Punts And Passes 

a. punts, 40-41 

b. forward passes, 41 

40-41 


Open-field Running 


42-43 


Quarterback Position 

1. offense 

a. generalship or field tactics, 45 

b. danger zone, 46 

c. transitional zone, 46 

d. middle zone, 46 

d. middle zone, 46 

e. strategy map, 47 

f. offensive territory, 48 

g. scoring zone, 48 

2. quarterback position, defense, 49 

3. general notes, 50 

44-50 

Halfback And Fullback Positions 

a. offense, 51-52 

b. defense, 52-53 

51-53 

End Position 

a. offense, 54 

b. defense, 55-56 

54-56 

Tackle Position 

a. offense, 57 

b. defense, 57-58 

57-58 

Guard Position 

59-60 

a. offense, 59,60 

b. defense,60 


Center Position 

a. offense, 61-62 

b. defense, 62-63 

61-63 

Exercises For Teaching The Fundamentals Of Backfield 

and 

line play 

a. shoulder-block for linemen, 64-66 

b. line interference, 66 # 

c. body block, for linemen, 66 

d. dodging for backs, 67 

e. diagonal shift, 67 

f. lateral shift, 67 

g. charging exercises, line defense, 68-69 

h. defense against quick shifts, 69-70 

64-70 

Signals 

71-72 

Offense 

73-112 

Kickoff 

74 

Plays From A Punt Formation 

76-89 

Plays From A Set Tandem Formation 

90-99 

Plays From A Regular Formation 

100-102 

Plays From A Shift Formation 

103-112 

Defense 

113-125 

Line Defense 

113 

Punt Defense 

114-115 

Defense Against Running And Passing Attack 

116-125 


a. defense against punt and short formations, 117-120 

b. defense against open formations, 120-125 


MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR 

HIGH SCHOOLS 

EQUIPMENT 

High school teams as far as possible should be properly 
outfitted for their games, not only because they are en¬ 
titled to all the protection that it is possible to give them, 
but because of the psychological effect that it has upon 
their opponents. A neat, well dressed team carries with 
it the suggestion of power and attention to details. It has 
been the writer’s experience that in the long run the best 
athletic goods are the cheapest. A good pair of shoes will 
outwear two or three pairs of cheaper shoes. The same 
holds true for the other items of a player’s equipment. 
Usually the initial cost of the best goods is hardly ever 
more than one or two dollars above that of the poorer 
grade. When you buy cheap athletic goods you get cheap 
goods and nothing more, and it turns out to be the most 
expensive in the end, because of the replacement that is 
necessary. Again, in using only the best equipment the 
player has the satisfaction of knowing that he is wearing 
the best that can be provided and that everything possible 
is being done for his protection and comfort. 

The Head Helmet 

Many coaches leave the matter of wearing head hel¬ 
mets to the discretion of the players themselves. Person¬ 
ally I believe this is a serious mistake, since football is 
played from the shoulders up, and a blow on the head, 
while it may not prove to be serious, may so stun the play¬ 
er that he is out of his senses for a time and so may impair 
the functioning power of the whole team. Wearing a 
head helmet is a good habit to cultivate. Many good hel¬ 
mets are on the market, which give the proper amount of 
protection with a minimum amount of weight and incon¬ 
venience. Under no consideration should a helmet be used 
which does not give ample proctection to the head as a 
whole, and particularly to the base of the skull. A blow at 
this spot may prove serious. 

The Jersey 

The jersey should be a well fitting all-wool garment, 
fitted with elbow pads and made with oversized shoulders 
to allow for the shoulder pads. If possible, jerseys made 


8 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

with the supporter should be used, as they hold the jersey 
In place and prevent it from pulling out of the pants. 

The Shoulder Pad 

Every member of the squad should be provided with 
suitable shoulder pads, as the shoulders are used in block¬ 
ing, and unless the necessary protection is supplied the 
player may sustain a broken collar bone or a painful in¬ 
jury to the shoulder, caused by a separation of the bones. 
Almost all sporting-goods houses now carry a line of 
shoulder pads which are capped at the top with a piece of 
papier-mache, so cupped that it bridges that part of the 
shoulder that is most susceptible to injury. 

The Pants 

The pants are next in importance to the shoes. They 
should be made of medium weight khaki material, and 
should fit snugly. The hip pads should be made of good 
wool felt and should be reinforced with vertical strips of 
papier-mache. The most important pad of all in the pants 
is the thigh pad, which is intended to prevent an injury 
commonly called a “Charley-horse.” Two styles of thigh 
pads are in common use; the solid pad moulded to fit the 
thigh, and the stripped pad which is made by binding to¬ 
gether several strips of vertical papier-mache. The solid 
pad is by far the better, as it distributes a blow over the 
entire thigh instead of localizing it at the point of contact. 
The knee pad may be made either of light felt or of felt 
with a leather covering. 

The Stockings 

The stockings are worn to protect the feet and legs, and 
to prevent bruises to the skin. They should be made of me¬ 
dium weight wool and should be of the slip-on type. Sweat 
sox should be worn on the feet and the stockings slipped 
over. For sanitary reasons the sweat sox should be 
washed frequently. 


The Shoes 

A player can hardly be expected to play a good game 
of football with ill-fitting shoes, and it will pay the coach 
to see that this article of equipment is the best that the 
finances of the school will permit and is purchased from 
a reliable firm. 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


9 


The Supporters 

The players should all wear supporters, which ought 
to be washed frequently. Where the supporter jersey is 
not to be had, the supporter serves to hold the jersey in 
place. 


Special Protectors 

Many injuries in the nature of bruises which are pain¬ 
ful to the touch can be so protected that the player will 
not have to miss practice. Protectors of this nature can 
he made of papier-mache, sole leather, or aluminum. 
They should be so shaped that they will span the injured 
part and thus the weight of a blow will be distributed 
around it. These pads are prevented from pressing on 
the injured part by interposing rings of wool felt be¬ 
tween the pad and the flesh. They are usually held in 
place by strips of adhesive tape. 


CONDITIONING AND DEVELOPMENT OF TEAM 


A high school team, like a college team, can and should 
be so trained that the men will be capable of playing ap¬ 
proximately 60 minutes at top speed. In order to bring 
this condition about the coach should first of all have a 
well-established code of training rules which he should 
thoroughly explain to the squad, then see that the code is 
carried out to the letter. Violations of training rules 
should be severely dealt with, and it is often wise to sus¬ 
pend a star performer from the team, rather than to have 
the army-like discipline of football impaired. A well con¬ 
ditioned team invariably means a good disciplined team, 
which in turn means good team morale; and a team with 
good morale is the hardest kind of a team to beat. 

Knowing that his players are abiding by the training 
rules, the coach has then only to watch his men during 
practice and games for signs of fatigue. The coach should 
at all times keep in mind the fact that the men under his 
charge are only high school boys and for this reason he 
should exercise reasonable care not to overwork them. To 
do so will decrease their interest in the practice to the point 
where they learn little or nothing and thus will take away 
their enthusiasm and interest in a game. Again, where 
the practice is carried too far, it may result in temporary 
or permanent physical injury. 

The code of training rules should call for at least nine 
hours of sleep during the playing season, and for absti¬ 
nence from liquor and tobacco in all of their forms. As a 
general rule it is best to place no restrictions upon diet 
except that the food should be wholesome, well cooked and 
eaten at regular times. Water is healthful and players 
should be encouraged to drink it as often as possible. 

To aid the coach in his development of the team the 
following schedule is suggested: 

First Week 

Monday to Wednesday 

1. Passing and receiving of forward passes 

2. Punting and catching of punts 

3. Kickoff and goal kicking 

4. Signal drill on punt formation plays. First in¬ 
struct each player carefully as to his particular 


10 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


11 


assignment in the play—then have the team as 
a whole walk through the play several times, 
then jog through it, then run through it. 

Thursday to Saturday 

1. Conditioning exercises 

(a) Pushups 

(b) Goose waddle 

(c) Running through stride boxes 

2. Falling on ball 

3. Passing and receiving of forward passes 

4. Punting and receiving punts. Linemen going 
down the field under the punts like ends and tag¬ 
ging the receiver. They should not start until 
the ball is kicked. 

(a) Place kick from field 

(b) Place kick after touchdown 

6. Tackling and blocking on dummy. 

7. Correct starting positions for backs, and foot¬ 
work on shift—if shift is to be used 

8. Instruction to linemen on correct offensive and 
defensive stances 

9. Drill in dodging, for backs 

10. Signal drill on punt formation plays. 

Second Week 

1. Conditioning exercises 

2. Passing and receiving of forward passes. 

3. Punting and catching of punts—(at least two 
days a week) linemen going down under the 
punts and tackling the receiver 

4. Kickoff and goal kicking 

5. Tackling and blocking on dummy (at least three 
days a week combined with falling on the ball) 

6. Drill on backfield formations (set or shift), the 
quarterback calling his signals and executing 
the regular plays. This exercise is especially ef¬ 
fective in perfecting shift formation plays. 


12 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

7. Offensive and defensive line charging with a gen¬ 
eral survey of defensive tactics, including defense 
against quick shifts 

8. Drill in dodging, and work on bucking strap, for 
backs 

9. Signal practice on short formation plays (tan¬ 
dem or shift) and punt formation plays 

10. Wind sprints of about thirty yards, in rapid suc¬ 
cession, for conditioning. 

Third and Remaining Weeks 

1. Conditioning exercises 

2. Passing and receiving of forward passes 

3. Forward pass defense against short and open 
formations 

4. Punting and catching of punts with tackling at 
least twice a week 

5. Kickoff and goal kicking 

6. Tackling and blocking on dummy, combined 
with falling on the ball, at least three times a 
week. About once a week have the linemen 
posted on 5-yard lines to tackle backs who try 
to zigzag through the line with the ball. The ball 
should be shifted to the outside arm before ap¬ 
proaching each tackier. The linemen tackle 
from a stationary position—later permit the 
tacklers to move laterally between the 5-yard 
lines to tackle the runner 

7. Drill on offensive and defensive line charg¬ 
ing; instruction in dodging, and work on bucking 
strap, for backs 

8. Practice in kicking off and running back kick¬ 
offs (about twice a week) 

9. Signal drill on punt and short formation plays 

10. Scrimmage 

11. Wind sprints 

The work schedule for the remaining weeks will vary 
but little from that of the third week. If the team in its 
scrimmage work or in a game shows a weakness in one or 
more of the fundamentals or in team play the work sched- 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


13 


ule should be so arranged that more time can be devoted 
to special drill as needed. 

On the Monday following a game it is well to begin the 
organized practice with a lecture to the whole squad 
pointing out the mistakes of the game and the remedies to 
correct them. The remainder of the afternoon should be 
devoted to forward passing, punting, goal kicking and a 
short, snappy signal drill. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 
usually are the days for heavy work which will include 
two ten minute periods of scrimmage, played under con¬ 
ditions as near as possible to those of a regular game. 
After Wednesday scrimmage should be ommitted and 
the work in general lightened so that the players will 
be full of life, vigor and enthusiasm on the day of the 
game. 

Where either because the material is limited or because 
of injuries to some of the members of the squad, there are 
not enough players to form two teams for scrimmage the 
practice can be carried on by lining up all of the defensive 
players on one side and sending all of the plays through 
that side. If only enough players are available for one 
team one side of the line can be shifted to defense and the 
scrimmage carried on as stated above. 

In addition to a weekly schedule the coach should care¬ 
fully outline each day’s work before practice actually be¬ 
gins and make out a work schedule showing the exact 
amount of time that is to be devoted to each item of prac¬ 
tice. For example: 

4: 00 to 4:15.—Offensive forward passing, using only 

the centers, ends and backs, and execut¬ 
ing the regular pass plays 
Punting, drop or place kicking and kick¬ 
off practice while the squad is gathering 

4:15 to 4: 20.—Physical exercises for whole squad 

1. Pushups 

2. Goose waddle 

3. Running through stride boxes 

4:20 to 4: 40.—Running down punts with tackling for 

whole squad 

4:40 to 4: 50.—Backfield men—Dodging practice 

Linemen—Offensive line charging—ex¬ 
ercises 1 and 2 




14 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

4:50 to 5:00.—Backfield men—Tackling and blocking 

on dummy 

Linemen—Defensive line charging, ex¬ 
ercises 1, 2 and 3 

5:00 to 5:30.—Signal practice 

5:30 to 5:55.—Scrimmage with two ten minute halves 

under actual game conditions 

5:55 to 6:00.—Short wind sprints 

If possible the work of an afternoon should cover about 
two hours with one hour or slightly more devoted to in¬ 
struction in fundamentals and the rest of the time to 
signal practice, shadow scrimmage or actual scrimmage. 
In order to conserve time in the teaching of fundamentals 
the entire squad should be divided into groups of two or 
more, each group working on different fundamentals. 


Note: Pushups—The whole squad is lined up facing the coach. 
They are then instructed to fall forward on their hands, with arms, 
back and legs straight. The body is then alternately raised and 
lowered, the chest touching the ground and returning to the normal 
position. This exercise is made on a 1-2 count. Goose waddle—The 
hands are placed on the hips, the legs bent to a squat position, and 
the squad is then ordered to walk forward. 




INJURIES 


Football from its very nature is a man’s game. The 
players are constantly coming in bodily contact with one 
another. This contact may come after the players have 
traveled but a short distance or it may come after two or 
more players have traveled a rather long distance and 
have gathered terrific speed. For these reasons injuries 
are not infrequent. As a general rule they consist of light 
sprains and strains which, while not serious, are painful 
enough to prevent the player from throwing his whole 
weight upon the affected part. This chapter is added to 
offer aid to the coach in treating the common injuries in¬ 
cident to the game of football. It must be kept in mind 
that serious injuries, or those which defy first-aid treat¬ 
ment, should immediately be placed under the care of a 
competent physician. The most common injuries in the 
order of their importance follow: 

Injuries to the Spinal Cord and Brain 

When injuries to either of these structures are sus¬ 
pected a physician should be called and his instructions 
carefully followed. Football coaches should be particular¬ 
ly careful when the player is totally unconscious, or has a 
partial paralysis of any part of the body, shows an un¬ 
equal dilation of the pupils of the eyes, or is troubled with 
persistent vomiting. 

Injuries to the Knee 

One of the most frequent and most bothersome injuries 
we have to contend with is the result of a straining or 
tearing of the inner or outer ligaments of the knee joint. 
It usually results from a blow from directly ahead or from 
either side, but it may be the result of the leg doubling 
underneath in falling. The most serious cases of knee 
trouble recover, under proper treatment, usually in about 
three weeks. Hot and cold water applications alternated 
during the day and followed by hot applications of anti- 
phlogistine at night are a great aid in hastening recovery. 
Fixation bandages in the form of two inch.adhesive tape, 
and a steel brace hinged at the joint to give artificial sup¬ 
port, are absolutely necessary before the player rejoins the 
squad. 


15 


16 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

Injuries to the Thigh 

A very common injury to the thigh is caused by a blow 
on the Sartorious muscle, resulting in a very painful con¬ 
traction of the muscle. This injury is better known as a 
“Charley-horse.” The treatment for this injury is exact¬ 
ly the same as for an injured knee—namely, hot and cold 
water applications with hot antiphlogistine at night. In 
addition to this, light massage is very helpful. The player 
should not miss practice, but should be kept away from 
scrimmage or bruising work. With proper care and special 
protection the player should be ready for hard work in 
from two to five days. 

Injuries to the Hip 

A direct blow on the upper, outer portion of the pelvic 
bone results in an injury which is the source of a great 
deal of trouble to football players. Such injuries are 
usually incurred during the act of blocking. The treat¬ 
ment is the same as that prescribed for the “Charley- 
horse.” It is advisable to bridge the affected part by 
means of a special pad. The player need not lose any 
time from practice, although he should be kept out of 
scrimmage for a few days. 

Injuries to the Ribs 

Injuries of this sort may be the result of splintered, 
broken ribs or torn attachments. To hasten recovery the 
side should be tightly taped, starting from a point over 
the spine and carried around over the injured part and 
fastened in front. The player should deflate his lungs by 
exhaling while the tape is being applied. For protection a 
well cushioned rib-pad made of sole leather, papier-mache 
or aluminum should be fitted to the player and held in 
place with straps over the shoulder or with adhesive tape. 

Injuries to the Ankle 

The most common injury to the ankle is caused by 
the ankle turning out and straining or tearing the liga¬ 
ments of the part. This injury is best treated by applying 
alternately hot and cold towels and giving complete rest 
by fixation bandages. 

Injuries to the Shoulder 

A rather frequent injury to football players is caused 
by a blow to the shoulder. Such a blow often results in a 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


17 


tearing of the ligaments and causes one spot on the top of 
the shoulder to become very sensitive to touch. Adhesive 
tape should be applied at once, starting from a point well 
down the chest, coming over the shoulder and fastening 
at a point well down the back. With special protection a 
player may resume practice within a few days. 

Bandaging 

Adhesive tape has a wide and varied use in football. 
It is almost indispensable in providing artificial support 
for injured parts and for holding special pads in place. 
On the one hand it is used to prevent injuries and on the 
other to assist in the repair of already injured parts. The 
most widely used tape bandages and the methods of their 
application will be discussed. 

Tlie Figure Eight Bandage 

A strip of two-inch tape is fastened on the top point 
of the upper ridge of the foot and brought down on the 
inside, under the foot and up on the outside. At this 
point the foot is given a slight twist upward and outward 
as far as possible and held in this position. The tape is 
then brought over the front of the ankle, carried around 
just above the heel bone, over the outside of the ankle, and 
back to the starting point. 

This bandage is generally used as a preventative to in¬ 
juries on men who are star performers. 

The Single Football Bandage 

A strip of two-inch tape is started at the starting point, 
as stated above for the figure eight bandage, and 1 is 



A B C 

FIG. 1 

A—Shows tapes No. 1 and No. 2 in position. 

B—Tape No. 3. 

C—Tape No. 4 —The figure 8 bandage in place completing the bandage. 
—2 



18 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

brought down the inside, under the foot and up on the out¬ 
side. At this point the foot is again given an upward and 
outward twist and held firmly in position while the end 
of the tape is fastened on the outside of the leg about four 
inches above the ankle bone. A second tape half overlap¬ 
ping the other is then applied in the same manner. A 
third tape is then started at the fastening point of one and 
two and carried all the way around the leg and over the 
starting point. Over tapes one and two the regular figure 
eight bandage is applied. During the process of taping 
care should be exercised to see that the foot is held up¬ 
ward and as far outward as possible. 

This bandage is generally used to support weak ankles 
resulting from the foot turning outward. In the case of im¬ 
portant men on the squad who are subject to sprained 
ankles, this bandage should always be applied as a preven¬ 
tative measure before they go into a game or practice. 

The Double Football Bandage 

The single football bandage is first applied, but in the 
reverse manner and the foot is turned inward and upward 
while the tape is being fixed. Over this bandage the regu¬ 
lar single football bandage as described above with the 
foot held in an upward and outward position is then ap¬ 
plied. 

This bandage is used in the case of twisted ankles and 
with sprained ankles that are caused by the foot turning 
in. This bandage will prevent any side movement of the 
ankle, but will permit the ordinary up-and-down action of 
the foot. 


The Knee Bandage 

This tape is applied with the leg fully extended. The 
bandage consists of eight strips of tape. Tape number one 
starts at the back of the leg beneath the knee joint and 
passes from the inside, over the knee cap and completely 
around the leg. Tape number two starts on the outside of 
the knee joint, passes just below the knee cap and is fast¬ 
ened on the inside of the knee joint. Tape number three 
begins on tape number one at the same point as number 
two and is carried above the knee in a diagonal manner 
and attached to the inside of the leg about six inches above 
the knee joint. Tape number four is applied the same as 
tape number three except that its origin is upon the inside 
of the knee joint, it is carried above the knee cap and is 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


19 


fastened to the outside of the leg. The remaining four 
tapes are duplicates of the first four and are applied in the 
same order to give added strength. 

This bandage will materially strengthen all weak 
knees. 



A 


B 


FIG 2 

A—Showing- the leg fully extended and tapes No. 1 and No. 2 in position. 
B—Tapes No. 3 and No. 4 applied, making the complete bandage. 


The Elbow Bandage 

In the case of an injured elbow that is painful only 
when completely straightened out, a small piece of felt or 
rubber sponge should be placed over the inside of the joint 
and with the arm slightly flexed the regular figure eight 
bandage should be applied. To strengthen the bandage a 
second tape half overlapping the first should be added. 



20 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

Minor Injuries 

Football players are constantly receiving cuts and 
abrasions to the skin which if neglected may develop in¬ 
fection. The coach should be mindful of all minor in¬ 
juries and should give them immediate attention. 

Cuts and Bruises 

These injuries should be painted immediately with tinc¬ 
ture of iodine. If a cut is situated over a joint where the 
action of the part irritates the skin a soft dressing of un- 
guentine should be applied after the iodine has thoroughly 
dried. The dressing of unguentine should be changed 
daily. Where infection has already set in the player 
should be sent to a physician for treatment. 

Boils 

If a player becomes afflicted with boils he should im¬ 
mediately be isolated from the other members of the 
squad. He should be given a separate locker, comb, towel, 
and soap. The dressing from his boils should be burned 
because boils are infectious and are easily transmitted and 
will spread rapidly to the whole squad. 

Boils are similar in appearance to pimples except that 
they are larger, more compact and when fully developed 
have a yellow spot in the center. When the boil first ap¬ 
pears it should be painted with iodine and covered with a 
dry surgical dressing. If it continues to develop and comes 
to a head it should be opened by a small slit with a sur¬ 
gical knife across the center. It should be squeezed once 
to remove as much of the pus as possible. It should then 
be painted with iodine and covered with an unguentine 
dressing which should be changed daily. 

Blisters 

Blisters should be opened from the outside with a 
needle that has first been passed through a flame, then 
washed in alcohol or iodine. After the blister has been 
drained it should be painted with iodine and covered with 
a dry dressing. 


MECHANICAL DEVICES 

Wherever possible, mechanical devices should be sub¬ 
stituted for players in teaching the fundamentals of the 
game. This is especially true where the squad material is 
limited and precaution is necessary to avoid (injuries. 
Every high school should have a tackling dummy, a buck¬ 
ing strap and stride boxes. If possible a charging sled 
should be added to the list. All of these devices are inex¬ 
pensive and easily made, and are of inestimable value as 
training equipment. 

The Tackling Dummy 

A suitable dummy can be made by rolling an ordinary 
5'x6' gymnasium mat on its 5-foot axis, and holding it in 
position with three leather straps. It is well to encase it 
in a canvas cover, having leather caps on the top and bot¬ 
tom, with four leather straps leading from the bottom 
cap up the sides through the top cap and terminating in 



PIG. 3.—Tackling - Dummy. 



an iron ring. (See diagram.) A dummy of this kind will 
last for many years if given proper care. At the end of 
the season if necessary the mat may be taken out of its 
canvas covering and restored to the gymnasium. If a 
mat is not available an ordinary cotton mattress may be 
substituted. 

The dummy should be supported from a heavy timber 
structure made of 8"x8" or 8"x6" timbers consisting of two 
vertical posts about 12 feet apart and about 10 feet high, 
with a horizontal timber of the same dimensions securely 
bolted on top. In the center of the horizontal timber a 
double pulley should be bolted on, and a single pulley at 
either end of the timber. Ropes should be run from the 
ring of the dummy and terminating near the ground with 


21 
















22 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

counter weights to keep the dummy suspended from the 
ground. (See diagram.) 



FIG. 4.—Tackling Dummy Gallows. 


Behind the dummy should be a pit about a foot deep 
and filled with a mixture of black loam, fine sand, and 
sawdust. The front of the pit should be in line with the 
two uprights and should run about four feet beyond their 
sides. The back line of the pit should be about 12 feet to 
the rear of the dummy. 

The dummy should have a line painted across the mid¬ 
dle, below which the men should tackle, and should be so 
suspended that it nearly scrapes the ground. By all means 
a dummy of some sort should be provided, as it is a big aid 
in developing two of the most important fundamentals 
of the game; namely, tackling and blocking. Because 
of the fact that a great deal of practice is necessary to 
teach tackling and blocking, and because work of this 
sort is necessarily severe when practiced on players, the 
dummy is called upon to take the greatest share of the 
work. 


The Bucking Strap 

The bucking strap is made of 3-16 inch harness leath¬ 
er in strips 1% inches in width. The strap is made of 
two horizontal strips about 10 feet long and two vertical 
strips 13 inches long. The two vertical strips form a 
hole 10 inches square in the center of the horizontal 
straps. The pieces should be sewed and riveted in place. 






























A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


23 


The ends of the longer strips should be folded back to 
form loops, through which wooden bars are placed. The 
bars are held by players. (See picture.) 

The strap is a valuable device in teaching backfield 
men the proper way to carry their bodies to apply their 
full power in hitting the line. It also is an aid in train- 



FIG. 5 


Using' the bucking strap. The offensive center has been omitted from 
the pictures in order to show more clearly the proper method of 
handling the ball between the quarterback and the man who is to 
carry it. 

ing the eyes for picking holes in the line. Two players 
hold the strap about 2y 2 feet from the ground. The cen¬ 
ter takes his place beside one of the men holding the 
strap, and the quarterback takes his place directly be¬ 
hind the center, in a position to receive the ball from him 
on an indirect pass. The backfield men line up in single 
file, directly behind the quarterback and 4% yards behind 
the ball. With the snap of the ball the file leader starts 
forward at top speed with his eyes centered on the hole 
in the strap, his body bent forward from the waist, his 
hands in front of his abdomen, one above and one below 
the waist, forming a pocket for the ball. The quarter¬ 
back places the bail in the pocket so formed, and the 
player crosses his arms around it, forearms in front and 
body behind, holding it tightly to the pit of the stomach. 
When about a yard from the strap he straightens out his 
body with a tremendous leg drive and dives into the hole 
of the strap, all the time keeping one foot on the ground 
and his legs driving like piston rods. Two things are of 
importance in this exercise—keeping the eyes on the 
hoie, and keeping the legs pumping as long as possible. 

The Stride Boxes 

The boxes are made of 7-8 inch pine, 3 feet long and 
2 feet wide—no top nor bottom. Angle irons should be 
placed in each corner on the inside for reinforcement. 

These boxes are inexpensive and are invaluable in 
teaching players to run with their knees high. They also 
develop speed and agility which are so essential in open 
field running. 



24 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

The following is a good exercise to open up the af¬ 
ternoon’s organized practice: Line up the entire squad in 
single file in front of the boxes, usually seven in num¬ 
ber, which are placed about 14 inches apart. Have all of 
the members of the squad run through the boxes, raising 
the knees high and pumping the arms to give them speed. 



FIG. 6 

The Stride Boxes. Showing the construction, the placing and the two 
uses for the stride boxes. 


For backs and ends it is well to line up the boxes two 
strides apart and in two lines, so that the players step 
into the first box with one foot—say the left—then out 
of the box with the right, hit the ground again with the 
left, and step into the next box in the other line with the 
right. This criss-cross motion is beneficial for developing 
open field running. 


The Charging Sled 

If the school can afford to do so, it is advisable to build 
a charging sled to aid in teaching the linemen the proper 
way to carry their charge and to develop the muscles of 
the arms, back and legs. The sled should consist of three 
runners made of 6"x6" timbers about 7 feet long, with a 
horizontal board 2"xl0"xl6 feet in length placed about 
21/2 feet from the ground and padded with wool felt or ex¬ 
celsior. The sled should be built sufficiently heavy or 
sufficiently weighted down by players that seven players 
driving with all of their power can just move it along. 
Line up seven players in their defensive positions with 
one hand on the ground. Have a man with the ball stand 









A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


25 


on the center of the sled to snap the ball. The instant 
the ball is moved the defensive line start forward carry¬ 
ing their charge up from below—the back arched, the 
arms straightened out, the elbows locked upon contact 
with the padded board. After the charge the players 



should push the sled along four or five yards with short, 
fast digging steps. 

Work on the charging sled should be limited to about 
two days a week. 


















FALLING ON THE BALL 

Under the present rules, which permit direct and for¬ 
ward passing, the ball necessarily is handled quite often 
and as a result fumbles are not infrequent during the 
course of a game. It is therefore important that the 
players be taught the art of falling on a loose ball, or, 
where the circumstances permit, of picking it up and 
running with it. This exercise also is beneficial in con¬ 
ditioning players. Pick a soft grassy spot and divide 
the players into two or more single files with a ball for 
each group, placing the file leaders about six feet from 
a stationary ball. From this position the leaders take a 
low crouch by bending the knees and leaning forward at 



FIG. 8 

The final position of the player in falling on the ball, showing him pro¬ 
tecting it and at the same time placing himself in such a position 
as to be least liable to injuries. 

the waist, then with a powerful leg drive they dive forward 
close to the ground for the ball. When the 
arms are over the ball the body is turned to 
either side and the ball is scooped into a pocket 
formed by the arms, the stomach and the thighs. The 
players should keep their eyes on the ball and should 
avoid reaching for it. They should be taught to fall from 
either side as they may have to block off an opponent 
while going after the ball. 

After the players have acquired good form in falling 
on a stationary ball, it is well to roll the ball on the 
ground and have them fall on it. Later have them roll 
over and up on the feet with the ball. Also have them 
pick up a loose ball and continue the run. Care should 
be taken however, at this point, to see that the players 
bend from the waist and knees enough to get down to 
the ball in order to avoid kicking it. Falling on the ball 
may be combined with tackling, to conserve "time. 

20 



TACKLING 

Tackling is one of the most important of the funda¬ 
mentals and a coach will do well to devote much time to 
this practical item of defense. A hard-tackling team is 
always hard to beat, and where the material will permit, 
no man should be given a place on the team who is not 
an aggressive and expert tackier. 

In teaching tackling it is a good plan to line the play¬ 
ers up in single file in front of the dummy, the file leader 
standing from five to six feet from the dummy. From 
this position each player takes a low crouch by bending the 
knees and leaning forward at the waist, then with a power¬ 
ful leg drive straightens out the body and drives into the 
dummy. The arms should be stretched out in front, the 
muscles forming a protective pad for the shoulders. The 
dummy should be met with the front, not the top, of the 
shoulder, with the head up and the arms encircling it. The 
wrist of one hand should be grasped by the fingers of the 
other hand. The tackier should stay on his feet and keep 
digging. 

After the players have acquired good form in tackling 
from a stationary position, they may take a short run of 
from 10 to 20 yards, special attention being placed upon 
good form. 

On meeting a runner from the front the tackier should 
drive his shoulder just above the runner’s knees, head to 



FIG. 9 

Illustrating the proper method of making a head-on tackle. 

one side, hitting his opponent with enough force that the 
weight of the blow itself would completely stop him. The 


28 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


arms are then circled around the knees, the legs clamped 
together, and the runner lifted off his feet and thrown 
over backward. 

On meeting a runner from the side the tackier throws 
his body directly across the runner’s path, circling the 
arms around his legs and pinning him in to the breast. It 
is best for all tacklers to keep their feet in tackling—the 
flying tackle being used only when the runner is out of 
reach. They should then drag one foot on the ground to 
come within the rules. 

Practice on the dummy should consist of tackling from 
the front and from the sides. A good plan to teach 
straight-ahead tackling and to instruct players in the 
danger of over-running the man with the ball is to have 
the tackier start from a point 30 or more yards back, 
come in at top speed, slow up a little upon approaching 
the dummy, then when within two or three yards, drive 
in at top speed. 



FIG. 10 

Showing the defensive player making a tackle from the side, with the 
body thrown across in front of the runner and the arms encircling the 
legs. 


BLOCKING 

Blocking includes all forms of making interference in 
clearing the way for the man with the ball. For high 
schools three styles of blocking will be discussed which 
will take care of every situation to be found on the field. 

The Rolling Body Block 

This is the method invariably used in the open field for 
blocking men going down on punts, and in blocking off 



A B 

FIG. 11 

A—The Rolling Body Block. Showing the offensive player leaving his 
feet and throwing his body laterally across the waist of his op¬ 
ponent. 

B—The blocker is now executing the second phase of this block—the in¬ 
side hand and foot are placed on the ground, and he is starting to roll 
toward his opponent. 

men of the secondary defense. The blocker goes straight 
for his opponent, and when within about a yard of him 
leaves his feet with the same leg-drive as described in 
tackling, and throws his body laterally across the waist of 
his opponent. This will give him a blocking surface equal 
to the length of his whole body. The inside hand is then 
placed on the ground and the blocker turns over, rolling 
laterally toward his opponent. As in tackling, the weight 
of the blow should be powerful enough to break through 
the arms of his opponent and to knock him down. This 
block may be executed from the front, side or back. 

The Body Block 

This style of blocking is useil effectively in the line to 
prevent opponents from breaking through on plays in 


29 


30 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

which certain linemen have left their positions to form in¬ 
terference ahead of the runner. It is also used to good ad¬ 
vantage by the ends in blocking on place and drop kicks 
and in blocking the opposing tackles in on runs that go 




FIG. 12 


A 


A—Offensive lineman showing the body block from the front. 

B—Shows the second phase of this block, used to prevent the defensive 
player from slipping around behind the blocker. 


outside of their positions. The blocker throws that part 
of his body from head to hips directly across the thighs of 
his opponent. The inside hand—the one closest to his op¬ 
ponent—is then placed on the ground. If the defensive 
player should try to slip by behind him, the blocker can 
quickly turn over a little farther, make a pivot on the 
hand and the inside foot, and swing the outside leg around 
to obstruct his passage. This style of blocking may be 
executed from the front or either side. 

The Shoulder Block 

This style of blocking is used by offensive linemen in 
opening holes in the line and by backfield men when tak¬ 
ing an end out of the play. In backfield blocking two play¬ 
ers, usually the fullback and a halfback, start at top speed 
toward the defensive end. When within about a yard of 
him they take a low crouch, leave their feet and dive into 
him, hitting with the inside shoulders at his thighs. The 
arms should be held in close with the elbows out, to give 
greater blocking surface. 

The shoulder block as used in the line is fully discussed 
under the chapter on Exercises for Teaching Fundamen¬ 
tals of Backfield and Line Play. 





PUNTING 

A football team that is superior in its punting—all oth¬ 
er things being equal—has a decided advantage over its 
opponents. The punt is a strong offensive play and quar¬ 
terbacks will do well to make good use of it whenever con¬ 
ditions permit. 

In teaching players the art of punting it is well to em¬ 
phasize form, not distance. The distance will come later. 
Fifteen minutes of practice is enough, during which time 
the players should concentrate upon form. 

In order to pick out the members of the squad who 
have punting ability, it is well to line up the entire squad 
and give them all a chance to demonstrate their aptitude. 



A B C 

FIG. 13 


A—Showing- the stance and the proper method of holding the ball for a 
high punt. 

B—The foot meeting the ball. 

C—The foot following through after the ball. 

After carefully studying them, sift the number down to 
three or four and concentrate upon them. It is best of 
course to have a backfield man doing the punting; and if 
he can also run and pass you have an ideal combination 
with which to work punt formation plays. 

The kicker takes his position with his left foot slightly 
ahead and with most of the weight on this foot. The posi¬ 
tion of the body is like that of a distance runner, with the 
body inclining forward from the waist. The hands are 
outstretched about waist high as a target for the passer. 


31 



32 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

When the ball is passed it should be caught and handled 
with the arms outstretched. This saves time and is a 
great preventive measure from kicking the ball with the 
body and leg in a cramped position—one of the great 
faults in punting. 

After the ball is in the hands of the kicker it should be 
adjusted by turning the wrists until it is in the proper 
position. It should be held with the arms outstretched and 
directly in front of the kicking foot. The left arm should 
be perfectly straight and the right slightly bent. The 
left hand should be on the left front and the right hand 
near the right rear of the ball, with the fingers well spread 
and the laces turned slightly out. Care should be taken to 
see that the fingers of the left hand are not placed over the 
front of the ball. The front point of the ball should be 
turned in and held slightly lower than the rear point. The 
ball should be dropped by opening both hands at the same 
time; this will minimize the danger of the ball turning or 
wabbling before meeting the foot. 

As the ball is received from the center a short step is 
taken with the right foot, a longer one with the left, and 
the right foot is then brought up to meet the ball. In meet¬ 
ing the ball the toe should be fully extended so that the foot 
will meet the ball only on one spot—on the top of the in¬ 
step—about 2 y 2 feet from the ground. The ball meets 
the foot slightly on the outside of the instep so that it 
slides down the foot, thus acquiring the spiral twist. By 
snapping the knee just before striking the ball and by fol¬ 
lowing the kick through as far as possible with the leg, 
distance can be added to the kick. The ball should ordin¬ 
arily be kicked at an angle of about 45 degrees as this 
is the angle which gives the greatest height and distance. 
It also permits the ends and linemen to get down the field 
under the punt. 

With the wind it is best to punt high to give the wind 
a chance to carry the ball. Against the wind the ball 
should be punted lower—a hard-driven spiral that will 
bore its way through the wind. 

The punter should always face in the direction he 
wants to place the ball. If he desires to kick out of bounds 
on the ten-yard line he should receive the ball from the 
center, turn so that he faces the junction of the 10 yard 
line and the side line, and kick straight ahead. 


PLACE KICKING 

The place kick has two uses as an offensive play. It 
may be used for kicking goals from the field and for scor¬ 
ing the extra point following a touchdown. As between 
the place kick and the drop kick the former is to be pre¬ 
ferred as it is more accurate, more easily developed, and 
quicker than the drop kick. Place kickers should practice 
from 20 to 30 minutes a day from inside the 30 yard line 
and from all angles in order to acquire speed and accuracy 
in getting off their kicks. It is always best to simulate the 
actual conditions found in a game by having the center 
pass the ball to the holder, who in turn places it in posi¬ 
tion for the kicker. For place kicking the spiral pass 
should be used as it is quicker and more easily handled 
than the end-over-end pass. 

The player who is to hold the ball for a right-footed 
kicker takes his position 7 or 8 yards from the line of 
scrimmage with his right foot and left knee on the ground. 
His hands are outstretched about waist high to receive the 

ball. 





A B C 

FIG. 14 

A—Showing - the holder of the ball and the kicker in position for a 
place kick. 

B—The ball is set in position and the kicker is advancing to meet it. 
C—The follow-through after the ball. 


The kicker should mark a line on the ground at right 
angles to the goal bar and passing through the center of it. 
Allowance should be made for a cross wind. The kicker 
stands about two yards behind the ball with his right foot 
on the line on the ground. He should start with the snap 
of the ball and so time his steps that he is ready to kick 
as soon as the ball is placed in position. He takes a short 
step forward with the right foot—on the line drawn—a lon¬ 
ger step with the left, bringing it to the left of the ball and 


—3 


33 




34 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

from six to eight inches behind it. The right foot is then 
swung straight from the hip, the toe meeting the ball 
near the ground and scooping it up to give it elevation. 
The kicker, from the time he starts until the ball is actual¬ 
ly kicked, concentrates his eyes on the line on the ground 
—the toe passing along this line—picking up the ball and 
following it through. Some place kickers build a small 
artificial tee about one and one-half inches high upon 
which the ball is set before being kicked. Raising the ball 
in this manner helps to give it altitude. The force of the 
blow will depend upon the distance required for the kick. 
This play should be practiced occasionally under actual 
game conditions, from around the 25 yard line with the 
regular defensive line coming in to block the kick. 


DROP KICKING 


The drop kicker takes his position directly in line with 
the center of the goal bar, with the same stance that is 
used for punting, and he uses the same two steps as in 
punting and place kicking. The ball should be held with 
both hands as close to the ground as possible. This will 
greatly lessen the chance of deflection while the ball is 



FIG. 15 

A—Shows the stance and the correct method of holding- the ball for a 
short, accurate kick. 

B—The foot meeting the ball just below the center. 

C—The finish of the kick, showing the follow-through. 



being dropped. The ball should be dropped evenly, direct¬ 
ly in front of the kicking foot, with the long axis perpen¬ 
dicular to the ground. The right leg, swinging mostly 
from the hip, meets the ball near the ground and follows 
it through. All of the sighting is done before the ball is 
actually passed. As in place kicking from 20 to 30 min¬ 
utes a day should be devoted to this form of kicking from 
near the 25 yard line and from all angles. 


35 


THE KICKOFF 


The ball should be placed on a mound of dirt about five 
inches high with the forward point elevated at an angle of 
about 30 degrees. The kicker stands back about 10 yards 
behind the ball and advances to meet it with an even step, 
his eyes focused on the ball. The left foot should be placed 
to the left and about 18 inches behind the ball, the right 
toe swinging through the arc and meeting the ball directly 
on the point and following it through. 

If possible it is advisable to kick the ball over the goal 
line for a touchdown if recovered by the kicking side or a 
touchback if recovered by the receiving side. If the kicking 
team does not possess a man who can kick it over the goal 
line the forward point of the ball should be raised a little 
more, the object being to get less distance, but greater 
height. This will enable the kicking team to get down the 
field under the kick. It is also advisable in this case to 
place the quarterback, or safety, on one knee in front of 
the ball to conceal the direction of the kick. Always 
avoid kicking to a dangerous runner. If there is a strong 
diagonal wind blowing, kick to the leeward side of the 
field. If the ball is kicked out of bounds on the first at¬ 
tempt, it should be kicked straight down the field the next 
time. 

The kickoff should be practiced frequently with half of 
the time being devoted to kicking into the wind. Against 
the wind the ball should be pointed lower. 


3 G 


FORWARD PASSING 


The forward pass is one of the most important and one 
of the most spectacular plays in football. There is no 
doubt but that this play has materially aided in enlisting 
the support of our public to football. Certainly it has 
made the game more scientific from the coaches’ and play¬ 
ers’ standpoint. In every modern system of offense the 
pass is considered an integral part. It has its main use in 
keeping the backfield defense from moving too close to the 
line of scrimmage, thereby stopping the plays through the 
line and around the ends. Usually the most successful 
forward passes are those that are made from the regular 
running formations and are so masked that they catch the 
defense by surprise. 

Good forward passers usually have a large hand and a 
snappy arm. Always pick the snap thrower and use him 
either at the left halfback or the quarterback positions—if 
he is a right handed passer. But if he is a left handed 
passer he should be used at the right halfback or quarter 
back positions. There are two kinds of passes; the stand¬ 
ing and the running pass. 


The Standing Pass 

The ball is gripped with either the four fingers or the 
thumb on the lacing, the hand slightly to the back of the 
ball. It is always best to grip the ball unless the passer 
has a small hand or the ball is wet and slippery. The ball 
is brought up behind the head and as far back of the 
shoulder as possible, the front end pointing upward. The 
arm is then brought forward across the body, the palm 
of the hand facing upward and the fingers snapped out 
from under the ball giving it the spiral twist. The ball 
should travel nearly parallel to the ground, the rate of 
speed depending upon the distance of the pass. The pass¬ 
er should aim to get the ball to the receiver about head 
high or even higher as this will minimize the chances of 
interception. At the start of the throw the weight is car¬ 
ried on the right foot, the left foot being forward, and as 
the arm is brought forward the weight is shifted to the 
left foot. 


37 


38 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 



A 



B 

FIG. 16 



C 


A—Stance of the passer and method of holding- the ball for a standing 
pass. 

B—Position of the ball just before leaving the hand of the passer. 

C—Finish of the pass, with the weight shifted to the left foot. 


The Running Pass 

This pass is especially effective for the reason that it 
looks like a regular running play when it starts. In or¬ 
der to make this play effective, the passer should also be a 



FIG. 17 

Showing the passer in the act of throwing the ball on a running pass. 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


39 


dangerous runner and he should so mask his run that his 
opponents will think it is a running play. Running passes 
as a general rule hardly ever go over 20 yards, and for 
this reason the passing arm need not be drawn back so far 
as for the standing pass. The pass is made on the run; 
the runner continuing his run after throwing the ball and 
acting as a safety in case it is intercepted. The ball is re¬ 
ceived from the center on a direct pass and adjusted with 
both hands in front of the body during the run. The 
passer keeps his eyes on the players forming his interfer¬ 
ence. After taking three or four steps laterally, or nearly 
so, he glances down the field for the open receivers. This 
delay will give them a chance to get into the open. When 
the passer has found an open man, the arm is drawn back 
and the pass is made. 


RECEIVING OF PUNTS AND PASSES 

Punts 


The safety—usually the quarterback—takes his defen¬ 
sive position at the extreme range of the kicker when the 
opponents have the ball in their own territory. The di¬ 
rection of the wind and its velocity should be taken into 
consideration. It is always easier to advance to meet a 
fly ball than to run back and catch it over the shoulder, 
and the chances of a disastrous fumble are thus always 



FIG. 18 

A—Shows the catcher of a punt in position with his arms stretched up¬ 
ward and his eyes on the ball. 

B The ball is caught with the hands and pinned in to the breast, the 
body giving with the catch. 


40 






A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


41 


minimized. On punted balls which are too far forward to 
be caught, the safety should drop back about 15 yards in 
front of the ball and take it on the bounce. 

As soon as the ball is punted and the safety has had a 
chance to judge its height, direction and distance, he 
should advance at top speed to within three or four yards 
of the spot where he expects it to fall. He should then 
take a quick glance down the field noting the position of 
the opponents, and by short steps complete the remaining 
distance to the ball. If he is surrounded by tacklers he 
should signal for a fair catch. 

He should place himself under the ball, with both arms 
stretched upward, the muscles relaxed, the feet well 
spread. The hands lead the ball down to the chest where 
it is pinned in. It is well to have the body and the 
knees give with the catch. No attempt should be made to 
catch the ball with the hands alone unless it is traveling 
close to the ground or over the head. When in position 
the eyes should be on the ball and not on the op¬ 
ponents coming down the field under the punt. If he has 
not signalled for a fair catch, he should take two or three 
steps straight ahead in order to look over the field. 
If the safety has a halfback playing back with him, the 
one who is nearest the ball should call out, “I got it,” and 
the other should immediately move forward to block the 
most dangerous opponent. 

Forward Passes 

Receivers of forward passes should develop the spirit 
of determination. No matter where the ball goes they 
should make a whole-hearted attempt to catch it. Passes 
in all cases should be made so they will be caught by the 
receiver running away from the defense. The ball should 
lead the runner and should be passed high enough that he 
will have to jump forward i-nto the air for it. The muscles 
of the hands and arms should be relaxed and should give a 
little as the ball is received. Once the ball is in the hands 
it should be tightly gripped and immediately shifted to the 
outside arm away from the defense. Under no circum¬ 
stances should the receiver pay any attention to the de¬ 
fense—his particular duty is to catch the ball. 

In carrying the ball in the open field the arm-pit 
method is always used. The front end of the ball is held 
in the palm of the hand with the fingers well spread out, 
while the other end is securely locked in the arm pit 


OPEN FIELD RUNNING 

A certain amount of time may well be spent with the 
backs and ends in teaching them the fundamentals of 
open field running. Once a runner reaches the line of 
scrimmage he cannot count on receiving much help from 
his interference. From this point the distance that he will 
advance the ball depends almost entirely upon his ability 
to evade his opponents. 

After receiving the ball on a direct pass the runner 
should shift it to his outside arm and hold the inside arm 
in readiness to stiff-arm an opponent. He should run with 
his body almost erect, his knees and head up, and at a fair 
rate of speed. Behind the line the runner will usually 
have to rely upon the stiff-arm entirely to avoid a tackier 
who has broken through. This is done by straightening 
out the arm and locking the elbow upon contact with the 
head or shoulder of the tackier. If the tackier should 
happen to grab a leg, he can still be evaded by quickly 
jerking up the knee of that leg. As soon as the runner 
reaches the line of scrimmage he should look for his 
chance to reverse the field by cutting back inside of the 
backfield defense. If he happens to be near a side line he 
should go as far as he can and when about to be tackled, 
should step out of bounds. The runner should try to make 
a tackier meet him from the side if possible as he is then 
much easier to dodge. This can usually be accomplished by 
faking in the direction opposite to that in which he in¬ 
tends to pass the tackier. 

The sidestep, reverse turn, and change of pace are the 
usual means taken to dodge a tackier in the open field. 
In the sidestep the runner traveling at fair speed comes up 



FIG. 19 


Shows the man carrying the ball and throwing his legs to one side in 
executing the side-step. 


42 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


43 


to the tackier, throws both feet as far out to the side as 
possible, and meets the tackier on the head or shoulder 
with the stiff-arm. The legs are thrown first, the stiff-arm 
(locked at the elbow) following. 

In the reverse turn, as the runner approaches the tack¬ 
ier he throws both legs out to one side, and uses the stiff- 
arm the same as in the sidestep. On passing the tackler’s 
left side, the runner throws his legs as far as possible to 
the right and stiff-arms the tackier. A right turn is then 
made, the legs are kept apart, the head is held down, and 
the runner pivots on the right foot to reverse away from 
the tackier. 

The change of pace is used in connection with either 
the sidestep or the reverse turn. It is nothing more than a 
quick change from top speed to fair speed, then back to 
top speed. The tackier, in order not to over-run his op¬ 
ponent, must change his rate of speed to conform to that 
of the runner. The change from fair speed to top speed is 
made after the runner has seen the tackier make the 
change. 

To teach open field running, line up several players in 
single file on every other five-yard line with their hands 
on the ground. Have a runner with the ball zigzag through 
the line, changing the ball to the outside arm as he passes 
each man. He should use the inside arm on the head or 
shoulder of the stationary player as an aid to the sidestep 
or the reverse turn. Later have the stationary men dive 
from their positions in an attempt to tackle the runner. 
This can be carried to a point of further development by 
permitting the tacklers to move laterally within their five 
yard zones in tackling the runner. 


THE QUARTERBACK POSITION 

The quarterback is unquestionably the most impor¬ 
tant man on the team. He is the field general—the man 
who directs the attack. The man for this position is 
chosen for his ability to think quickly, his qualities of 
leadership, his coolness under fire, his good judgment and 
his ability to keep up the morale of his team-mates by his 
aggressiveness, pep and enthusiasm. He should also be 
accurate in handling the ball, and a good interferer. It is 
also a decided advantage if he can run, pass, and kick. 

In calling signals he should call out the numbers dis¬ 
tinctly, biting off the words sharply. A good quarterback 
can emphasize the importance he places upon a play by 
the tone of his voice. He should fairly radiate confidence 
by his actions and words, and under no circumstances 
should he display discouragement, for the team as a whole 
rises or falls with him. In selecting a man for this all- 
important position, his value at any other position, his 
weight, size or speed, is of minor consideration. 

Offense 

The quarterback on offense takes his position in a 
regular formation (balanced line and backfield) directly 
behind the center, with both feet parallel to the line of 
scrimmage and about eighteen inches apart to give him 
lateral support. The weight of the body is on the toes, 
the knees are bent, and the body is inclined forward from 
the waist with the arms extended under the center. The 
right hand is below, the fingers spread and extended. The 
head is down under the center and the eyes are on the ball. 
The ball is handed by the center to the quarterback, who 
in turn hands the ball to the backs from a crouched posi¬ 
tion. This has the double effect of concealing the direc¬ 
tion of the play and of making the backs run low. On a 
play that goes inside of the defensive left tackle, the quar¬ 
terback, after receiving the ball, pivots on his right foot, 
and takes a step to the right with the left foot. 
The ball is held in the left hand and placed 
in the pit of the stomach of the player who is to receive 
it. On plays that go between the defensive left guard and 
the center, the quarterback pivots on the left foot, swing¬ 
ing the right foot back. For a delayed buck, which is 
faked to the right, the quarterback pivots on the right 


44 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


45 


foot and takes a step to the right with the left foot. From 
this position he fakes the ball to the left halfback, then piv¬ 
ots on both feet to the right, facing in the opposite direc¬ 
tion. On line plays where the quarterback handles the ball 
and cannot possibly get into the interference, he should 
carefully watch the progress of the ball to see who is tack¬ 
ling the runner. He should also be on the lookout for 
fumbles. 

On direct pass plays the duties of the quarterback are 
similar to those of the halfbacks. On plays outside of the 
defensive tackle he generally helps the end block the 
tackle. In general the quarterback should enter into ev¬ 
ery play with the spirit of determination. As an interfer- 
er he must block his opponent; as a runner with the ball 
he must continue going forward until he is pinned to the 
ground. Above all he should be alert, and should drive 
his team hard and fast. 

Generalship or Field Tactics 

Good generalship is the selection of the right play at 
the right time. After a careful study of all the candidates 
for the quarterback position the coach should select the 
man who most nearly fills the qualifications. It is now 
the duty of the coach to supply him with the knowledge 
of how to use his plays, where to use them, and the condi¬ 
tions under which they may be used to the best advantage. 
With this in mind a strategy map, and certain rules of 
football that have been proved sound by years of experi¬ 
ence are brought into use as an aid in the selection of the 
right play. 

Before the start of the game the question of whether 
to defend a certain goal or to kick off is an important mat¬ 
ter. Many things must be taken into consideration: the 
wind, the sun, the relative strength of the teams, and the 
psychological value to a team of going down the field un¬ 
der a kick. With the advantage of a strong wind it is ad¬ 
visable for the captain to defend the goal with the wind 
at his back. With no wind and the teams fairly evenly 
matched, or the opponents stronger defensively than of¬ 
fensively, it is best to kick off. 

Strategy Map 

The marginal areas of this map show the side belts 
which should always be avoided. They are those imagin¬ 
ary stretches of territory lying 10 yards inside the side 
lines. If the bail is declared dead within five yards of the 


4 6 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

sidelines, or in the bad lands, it should be carried out of 
bounds on the next play. If it is five or more yards in, but 
inside the side belt, it should be carried on the next play 
toward the center of the field. 

The Danger Zone 

The danger zone extends from the offensive team’s 
goal line to their 20 yard line. Because of the proximity 
of the goal line it is always best to punt on either the first 
or second down in this territory, on the first down if in 
position. The word position here means having posses¬ 
sion of the ball near the middle of the field, longitudinally 
speaking. In the case of a strong wind blowing against 
the offensive team in this zone or when playing for time, 
the quarterback may delay his punt until fourth down. 

The Transitional Zone 

In this zone the offensive team should generally kick 
on the third down, hardly ever on the first or second down 
unless a strong wind is blowing at their backs. They 
should always punt on fourth down in this zone, even if 
there is less than a foot to go. In the transitional zone one 
or two plays should be tried from the punt formation for 
the purpose of trying out the opponents and locating their 
weak spots and to get a runner lose for a long gain. They 
may also be used to draw a loose center back into the line 
or to tighten up the defensive line where they are spread 
out expecting a wide run or a punt. In this territory the 
quaterback should call his plays carefully and deliberately, 
saving his strength for the offensive zone. He should not 
use passes or plays that are apt to be fumbled. 

The Middle Zone 

In this territory the repertory of plays broadens and 
the quarterback may start taking more chances. If the 
punt formation plays are working, the quarterback should 
continue their use up to about the opponents’ 40-yard line; 
he should then change to a short formation and begin 
his drive toward the opponents’ goal. He may 
now use forward passes and he should not hesitate to do 
so when the opportunities are presented. Sweeping off- 
tackle plays should be tried for the purpose of getting a 
runner loose for a long gain. In this zone the kick should 
be delayed until fourth down and the ball should either be 
kicked high and straight down the field, or it should be 
placed out of bounds near the 10 yard line. 


KICKING TERRITORY OFFENSIVE TERRITORY 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


47 


END ZONE 



END ZONE 


j 

















48 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

Offensive Territory 

Once inside the opponents’ 40 yard line the quarterback 
should work into a short formation and speed up the play. 
He should know the weak spots by this time and he should 
hit them hard and fast using only those plays that are 
working. Where the running attack is working well he 
should stay with it and hold back his passes. When these 
plays are stopped it is well to try a pass or a trick play, al¬ 
ways reserving the third down for a place or a drop kick, or 
a run to position for either of these kicks. Against a strong¬ 
er team it is best to make a try for a field goal on the 
third down. 


The Scoring Zone 

Inside the scoring zone the quarterback should drive 
his team hard and fast to score as quickly as possible, be¬ 
cause the closer he gets to his opponents’ goal line the 
more concentrated the defense and the more limited the 
territory into which he can pass. Passes as a general rule 
should not be used in this territory except on a fourth 
down or if one of the opponents’ backfield men is out of 
position, or the backfield defense is rushing in to stop the 
running attack, thus leaving their territory unguarded. 
Players should be careful to remain onside and to avoid 
missing signals. In this zone the offensive team may lose 
the ball on downs, Where a touchdown is needed to win, or 
where with the score even they have no one who can place 
or drop kick. 

The first consideration of the quarterback when going 
to offense is his position on the field. If he is near the 
sidelines his first play should be toward the center of the 
field, so he can work his plays on both sides of the line. 
When in position he should make a careful survey of his 
opponents, noting with care the positions of every mem¬ 
ber of the defense. If any of these players are out of posi¬ 
tion a play should be called through the weak spot. In 
the case where all of the defensive players are playing in 
their normal defensive positions the quarterback will have 
to try out his opponents by driving plays at them to find 
out their weak spots. After the ball is put in play the 
quarterback, after carrying out his particular assignment 
on the play, should watch to see who is making the tackles 
as this may be the cue to his next play. 

If the quarterback has a kicker superior to the one of 
his opponents’ team, and if the teams are evenly matched, 
he should use his kicker freely, punting on the first down 
until his team reaches the center of the field. If he has the 


A MAUNAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 49 

inferior kicker the quarterback should make up the dif¬ 
ference in punting by rushing the ball before punting. 
Where the kicking is even the punt should be used for de¬ 
fensive purposes. 

•With a cross wind blowing the quarterback should run 
his first play for position, toward the windward side of the 
field, but when he kicks it should be toward the leeward 
so the opponents will have to waste a play to get back to 
the windward side. When playing against the wind the 
quarterback should delay the kick until fourth down and 
slow up his plays, saving his offensive strength until the 
teams change goals. When playing with a wet, slippery 
ball the ball should be kept out of the defensive territory 
by a first down punt, the kicking team being on the alert 
for fumbles. 

When opposed to a team that is superior in every phase 
of the game it is always best to rush the ball for three 
downs and to punt on the fourth down, and to slow up the 
play. With the score in your favor at the beginning of the 
second half it is best to play for time by calling the signals 
slowly, and by lining up deliberately; however the play 
should be driven hard and fast when the ball is snapped. 
With the score 14 points or more in your opponents’ favor 
at the beginning of the second half, open up with all the 
offense you have—throw all rules of football to the winds 
—try anything for a score, from any and all positions on 
the field. 

The quarterback on offense should carefully study his 
opponents, their ability to handle punts, their strong and 
weak men, and should seek for all other information that 
will aid him in calling his plays. His team-mates should 
help him whenever possible, especially when time is out, 
by giving him such information as they may have. 

Defense 

When the opponents have the ball inside their own ter¬ 
ritory the quarterback should take his position at the ex¬ 
treme range of the kicker. When they advance the ball 
to the center of the field the quarterback may move up to 
within 20 yards or so of the line. He should always know 
the down and the distance to go. When the ball is put in 
play he comes up on a trot either to make the tackle if 
the runner gets loose or to help cover passes. If a runner 
gets loose he should immedietely place himself on the 
flank of the runner and force him to the sidelines. 

While on defense the quarterback should carefully study 
his own team as well as that of his opponents for individ- 


—4 


50 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

ual signs of weakness and should plan his attack so he 

will have a definite idea of what plays he will use when 

he gets possession of the ball. 

General Notes 

1. Keep the ball away from the side belts. 

2. When in doubt punt. 

3. Punt toward the nearest side line. 

4. Do not rush the ball on fourth down unless reasonably 
sure of making the distance, and then only when with¬ 
in the opponents’ 20-yard line. 

5. Try a strong play on the first down; if it fails consider 
a punt. 

6. If the opponents are stopping line bucks, use wide end 
runs or passes, and vice versa, if wide end runs and 
passes are being stopped, use line bucks. 

7. If the opponents’ end is angling in and stopping line 
bucks, draw him into the line with a play that looks 
like a line play, but which ends in a run around him. 
If other plays are working save this for a scoring play 
near the goal line. 

8. With a safety who is uncertain in handling punts, kick 
often to him and surround him with tacklers. 

9. If the safety is playing too close to the line a quick 
kick should be ordered over his head. 

10. Since mud favors the defense, pick the dry spots when 
you have the ball, and punt to the wet spots. 

11. Send two or three plays at an incoming substitute line¬ 
man to try him out. 

12. Study the defense and take advantage of its weakness. 

13. If one of the opponents is hurt, work him on the next 
play. If he is a lineman, drive plays over his position; 
if a backfield man, throw passes into his territory. 

14. Watch your backs to keep them from drawing too close 
to the defensive line. 

15. If opponents are making consistent gains slow them 
up by taking out time. 

16. Talk it up. 


THE HALFBACK AND FULLBACK POSITIONS 

In selecting men for the backfield positions use only 
those who are quick thinkers, quick on their feet, rugged 
to stand punishment, able to dodge in the open field, and 
who have the determination to carry on when tackled. It 
is a good plan to give every candidate for the team a 
chance in the backfield. If they are slow in getting away 
or hesitate when about to hit the line or be tackled, shift 
them into the line. 

The heaviest man of the lot is usually placed at the 
fullback position where his weight is useful in hitting the 
line and keeping the defensive line from spreading, there¬ 
by assuring success for the plays around the tackles and 
the ends. Backfield men with big legs are preferable 
because they are less susceptible to leg injuries and are 
better able to hold their feet. The forward passers—un¬ 
less they are left handed—should be used at the left half¬ 
back and the quarterback positions. 

All of the backs should be well grounded in the fund¬ 
amentals, such as blocking, tackling, receiving, kicking 
and the like. 


Offense 

The backfield men stand with their feet about 24 inches 
apart, with the toes straight to the front and on the same 
line. Their stance depends upon the type of formation 
that is beind used. The players should remain rigid until 
the ball is snapped; their eyes directed straight forward to 
conceal the direction of the play. 

On carrying the ball into the line the back should start 
forward with the snap of the ball, his eyes fixed on the 
spot to be attacked, with his body bent forward from the 
waist, his head up and his knees high. His arms should 
form a pocket with one hand above and the other hand and 
forearm below, with the abdomen as a backstop. When the 
ball is placed in this pocket by the quarterback the back 
folds his arms around it, forearms over the front of the 
ball. A back hitting the line concentrates his entire at¬ 
tention on the hole; never on the ball. When meeting 
opposition he should straighten out his body and pump 
his legs. When in the open field, the ball should be shifted 
to the outside arm and the other arm kept ready for the 
stiff-arm or side-step. Backs should run at top speed and 
hit hard in running interference. 


51 


52 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

(Caution):—Backs are usually weak in running inter¬ 
ference. They should receive thorough instructions and 
be given extensive drill in blocking. 

On plays that go outside of the defensive tackle the 
back usually receives the ball on a direct pass from the 
center. The first step taken with the snap of the ball is 
always a cross-over, e. g. a left halfback going to the 
right will keep his weight on the right foot and will cross 
the left foot in front of the right. The ball is received on 
this step and is shifted to the outside arm; he then fol¬ 
lows his interference, being careful to avoid getting too 
close to them. On the play outside of the defensive tackle, 
if the end is blocked out, he should make a quick right- 
angle turn on his outside foot and cut straight up the 
field. When he reaches the line of scrimmage he should 
look for the opportunity to cut diagonally back across the 
field. This is called reversing the field. It has two 
advantages: that of bringing the ball back to 
the same relative position on the field from which it 
started, and of catching the backfield defense moving in 
the opposite direction. 

On forward passes the backs should carry out the de¬ 
ception of the run as long as possible. This applies 
especially to the passer, who should be a good actor. He 
should adjust his ball while on the run, all the while keep¬ 
ing his eyes on the players forming his interference. 
After taking three or four steps laterally he glances down 
the field for the open receivers and makes his pass. 

Defense 

The halfbacks play from eight to 15 yards back from 
the line of scrimmage, depending upon the type of forma¬ 
tion used by the opponents, and directly behind their 
own ends or slightly inside. They are responsible for all 
long runs and for passes to the ends on their respective 
sides, or to any halfbacks who come deep. They should 
come in to meet running plays and should stop them near 
the line of scrimmage. The backs should be very careful 
to avoid being drawn in on plays which start like runs and 
develop into passes. 

Backs should always keep the receivers of passes be¬ 
tween themselves and the passer until the ball leaves the 
hand of the passer. They should then come in either to. 
block the pass or to intercept it. When in doubt they 
should knock the ball to the ground. All fourth down 
passes should be batted to the ground unless the defensive 
back has a clear field ahead. 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


55 


On fourth down punts the backs, usually the right half 
and the fullback, follow the offensive ends down the field, 
keeping them inside and staying close to them, but run¬ 
ning slightly ahead. As the ends start to cut in toward 
the receiver, they should be blocked by using the rolling 
body-block. 

The defensive fullback should play from five to eight 
yards from the line of scrimmage in the center of the op¬ 
ponents’ offensive formation. He is responsible for stop¬ 
ping all plays from end to end. On running plays he should 
be alert and quick to size up the play and the point of at¬ 
tack. Once he is satisfied where the play is going he 
should come in fast and should meet it if possible on the 
line of scrimmage. If the runner is protected by massed 
interference he should dive under it, trying to pile it up. 
If the interference is running loose he should try to sift 
through it in an attempt to get at the man carrying the 
ball. On passes the fullback covers any eligible man who 
goes out laterally or into the center area. 

All of the backfield men should “talk it up,” thereby 
encouraging the line men ahead of them. An occasional 
slap on the back and a kind word will go a long way in 
bolstering up the courage of weary linemen who are tak¬ 
ing the brunt of the attack. 


THE END POSITION 


The ends should be quick on their feet, speedy, strong 
in order to block tackles out on inside of tackle plays, 
clever in order to block them in on off-tackle plays, ag¬ 
gressive, and good receivers of forward passes. To be suc¬ 
cessful they must be deadly tacklers, and must have the 
ability to keep their legs free in avoiding interferers. They 
must be quick and sure in falling on fumbled balls and in 
catching forward passes that are made to them on the run. 
The bigger the ends are the better, providing they have the 
other qualifications. 


Offense 

On the offense the end should stand as close to his 
tackle as possible unless a punt formation or other special 
formation is called. On plays from regular formation 
which go inside of the defensive tackle he should start 
with the snap of the ball and drive the tackle out. The 
method of blocking the tackle on this play is fully dis¬ 
cussed in the chapter on Exercises for Teaching Funda¬ 
mentals of Backfield and Line Play. 

In boxing tackles on the shift the ends move outside of 
the tackles on'the “hep.” They then use the body block 
which is explained in the chapter on blocking. 

In covering punts the ends should start with the ball 
and upon hearing the thud of the kick should turn to note 
the direction and height of the ball. The ends must be 
clever in avoiding opponents who will be sent to block 
them, and should be ready at all times to use the side-step 
and stiff-arm to evade them. They should be careful to 
slow up when approaching the receiver so that they will 
not over-run him, thereby guarding against the danger 
of side-stepping or dodging on the part of the receiver. 
The first duty of the ends is to keep the receiver of the 
kick inside of them and then to make the tackle if possible. 

On plays that go to the opposite side of the line the end 
is usually called upon to go through and block one of the 
defensive backfield players. He should start with the 
ball, running at top speed, and should drive into his op¬ 
ponent hitting him from the front, side or behind, just 
above the knees. 


54 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


55 


Defense 

On defense the end takes his position from two to four 
yards from his own tackle, the distance depending upon 
his own ability and the depth of the formation used by the 
opponents. On a wide punt formation the end will have to 
widen considerably. The closer an end can play to 
his own tackle and still keep all plays inside of 
him, the better he is as an end. He should stand with his 
body almost parallel to the line of scrimmage with his in¬ 
side foot back, his weight well forward, and his hands on 
his knees. He should watch the ball and go with it. When 
it is put in play he takes two short quick steps straight 
forward; he then faces in to meet the interference. His 
weight should be well forward and his arms out ahead to 
keep his opponents away from his legs. He should always 
keep well to the outside of the play, so he will turn the 
play inside to the tackle who in turn will drive it into the 
center of the line. 

He should always keep close to the ground, and if he can 
avoid or work his way through the interference to the run¬ 
ner he should do so. If the interference is massed and the 
runner well protected, he should throw his body across 
their knees, thereby piling them up so that perhaps the 
runner will fall over them. In any event the runner will 
have been slowed up so that the end’s own backfield men 
will have had a chance to diagnose the play and to come in 
and tackle the runner. The end should never wait for a 
play to come to him, but should drive in fast and crowd 
the play in toward his own tackle. If the runner tries to 
run around him the end should run back with him and 
work him to the side lines. 

If the play is aimed just inside of the tackle on his side, 
the end will see it as he charges forward, and can throw 
himself inward to stop the play. He must, however, be 
careful that the ball is in the runner’s arms and that the 
play is not a fake to draw him in for a run around him. 
If the play passes inside of him the end should follow it 
from behind, looking for a fumble. 

The end on the opposite side of the line (the weak side) 
should come in the same as the end on the strong side, 
looking for linemen coming out on criss-cross plays. He 
should meet these plays by staying on the outside and 
turning them in. 

After every play the defensive ends should glance to 
the sidelines to see that no eligible players of the oppon¬ 
ents are lying out for shoe-string passes. The halfbacks 


56 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

in this case should be warned so that they can move over 
to cover the sneakers. 

On passes as a general rule the ends rush in to hurry 
the pass, tackling the passer if he still has the ball. If the 
opponents use a wide-open formation with a halfback 
playing wide with the end, the defensive end on that side 
should move out with them, and drop back about four 
yards. He covers all short passes to either the halfback 
or the end. 

On kicks the ends go in to hurry the kicker. If he is 
a sluggish and slow kicker they should try to block the 
kick. If the kicker is also a dangerous runner they should 
play safe by going in wider and slower. 


THE TACKLE POSITION 

The tackles are by far the most important men on the 
line of scrimmage as far as the defense is concerned. The 
majority of the plays in a game go either inside or outside 
of the defensive tackles; these are the vulnerable spots. 
The tackles should be powerful, active and aggressive and 
above all they must have the ability to keep their legs 
free. Very often a small man who is quick and shifty on 
his feet makes an excellent tackle. The duty of the tackles 
on defense is to watch the ball, charge with it and meet 
the play behind the opponents’ line of scrimmage. They are 
responsible for all plays inside and outside of their posi¬ 
tions. 

(Note: The offensive position of the tackle is explained 
in the chapter on Exercises for Teaching the Fundamen¬ 
tals of Backfield and Line Play.) 

Defense 

The tackle on defense, when the opponents are using a 
formation with a tight line, stands in a crouched posi¬ 
tion with the inside foot back and the inside arm 
down. He takes his position a little outside and just off 
the shoulder of the offensive end. He should watch the ball 
and drive in as it is snapped, meeting the end on the side 
of the head or shoulder with the inside arm straight and 
the elbow locked, thus forcing him against his own tackle. 
With the movement of the inside arm, a step forward is 
taken with the inside foot, carrying the tackle outside of 
the end and behind the offensive line. The outside arm 
should be kept free and ready to use on any backfield man 
that may be sent to block him. He should always keep 
to the outside of the interference and should pile up the 
play inside of him. 

With the offensive end playing from two to five yards 
outside his own tackle and leaving a hole of that width, 
the tackle plays in the center of the hole, watching the 
ball and driving straight in at top speed. He should have 
the outside arm ready for use in keeping the end away 
from his legs, the inside arm held in reserve for any back- 
field player that may be sent to help the end. 

When the opponents use a formation with a backfield 
man playing about a yard outside of the end and from one 
to two yards back, the tackle should widen a little and 


57 


58 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

drive in at top speed directly at the halfback, ignoring the 
end altogether and playing a pile-up game. 

The tackle should at all times watch the ball and drive 
in savagely behind the line of scrimmage, using his hands 
viciously to get at the man carrying the ball or to pile up 
the interference when it is running massed. He should al¬ 
ways be on his toes and alert, looking for trick plays and 
passes. On trick plays he should go through and go for 
the man with the ball; or if there is a man who is not in 
motion, he should hit for him. On passes he should hurry 
in to rush the passer, tackling him if he still has the ball. 

It is well for the tackles to study the backs of the of¬ 
fensive team, for signs showing the direction of the play. 
Any information of this sort that they may gather should 
be passed on to their team-mates. 


THE GUAM) POSITION 

The guards should be two of the biggest, fastest, and 
most aggressive men on the team. Because of the fact 
that the duties of the guard are less complex and more 
definite than those of the other line positions, men with 
less experience may successfully hold this position. A 
team that can muster two fast, heavy guards is indeed for¬ 
tunate, as it has an opportunity to use them in running 
interference on wide runs. In order to get speed into the 
guard positions on offense, some coaches move the ends in¬ 
to these positions while others move in the tackles. In 
either case these men return to their normal positions on 
defense. The most successful systems of football in use 
today are built on the theory of running guards in the in¬ 
terference. 


Offense 

The guards take their positions with their inside feet 
about two inches from the center’s feet to give them more 
freedom in coming out of the line for interference, be¬ 
cause it is very important that they get a quick start. 
Their stance corresponds to that of the tackles and ends. 

On plays that go to the opposite side of the line the 
guards should go through and block off the defensive full¬ 
back. When possible they should clip him from behind 
by throwing their bodies laterally across his legs at the 
knees. 

On running plays where the guards are called upon 
to run interference ahead of the man with the ball they 
should start with the snap of the ball, pivot off the inside 
foot, regardless of the direction they take, and run low 
and fast. 

On punts and passes the offensive guards need hold only 
long enough for the kick to leave the foot, or the pass to 
leave the hand. On the punt after the ball is kicked they 
should hurry down the field at top speed to tackle the re¬ 
ceiver. Where the opponents are making no attempt to 
break through to block the kick, the guards by a quick 
start and by driving through their opponents, may start 
with the ball and get down the field ahead of the ends. 
With the ends driving the receiver to the inside, the 
guards have many chances to make tackles in the open 
field. They should be careful not to over-run the receiv- 


59 


60 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

er, thereby placing themselves in a position to be easily 
dodged. 

The guards should always be alert and in position. On 
offense the guards and the other linemen may rest on one 
knee until the first series of signals is called, after which 
they assume their normal offensive positions. 

Defense 

The position of the guard on defense is similar to that 
of the tackle, with the inside foot back and the inside arm 
down. The guards are responsible for all plays which pass 
between the center and the tackles on their sides, also for 
all delayed plays through their positions. It is a good 
plan for the guards and tackles to keep the free arm 
swinging from the shoulder, as this maneuver has a pecul¬ 
iar psychological effect on their opponents. While waiting 
for the ball to be snapped the guards should study the 
backs and the linemen in front of them for signs showing 
the direction of the attack. 

The guards always take their defensive positions be¬ 
tween the second and third offensive linemen from the 
ends. With the snap of the ball, the guards drive in from 
below against the outside or second man, forcing him back 
and out. Their charge should be carried up from below, 
both hands driving against the heads of their opponents, 
or one hand on the head and the other on the shoulder. 

This charge should be so vicious that their opponents 
will pay more attention to the hands of the guards than to 
their own particular assignments on the play. The guards 
should drive straight through and follow the ball. With 
plays coming straight at them, they should drive their op¬ 
ponents out of the way to get at the man carrying the ball; 
always playing low to make the tackle or to pile up the 
play by diving underneath. Once behind the line of scrim¬ 
mage the guards should hit for the man with the ball or 
for any backfield man that is not in motion. They should 
follow all plays from behind the opponent’s line of scrim¬ 
mage. 

On passes the guards should drive through and hurry 
the passer, tackling him if he still has the ball. 


THE CENTER POSITION 

The center should have the qualities of the guards and 
ends—good weight combined with more than average 
speed. He should be aggressive and hard to knock off his 
feet. He should be cool under fire and accurate in his 
passing, and under no circumstances let his opponent 
worry him. He should be a good diagnostician of plays, 
have plenty of enthusiasm, and be one of the fiercest and 
most expert tacklers on the team. On defense he is a 
combination lineman and backfield man. With the full¬ 
back he makes up what is known in football parlance as 
the secondary defense. 

The_center should always be on top of the ball as quick¬ 
ly as possible after it has been declared dead, to prevent 
the opponents from moving it, and to permit the other 



FIG. 20 

Shows the correct stance and method of holding the ball, for the center 

linemen to get into position. He should stand with his 
left foot flat on the ground and well under his body. His 
feet should be about two and one-half feet apart, facing 
straight to the front; the right foot up on the toes and 
about six inches back of a line drawn through the heel of 
the left foot. The back is parallel to the ground with all 
of the weight on the feet. The right foot should be well 
braced to withstand a charge from his opponent, It is very 
important to hold the ball in the proper manner. Put the 
right hand well to the front of the ball with the thumb and 
heel of the hand parallel to the lacing, and the hand turned 
down so that the tips of the fingers touch the ground. Put 
the left hand well to the back of the ball with the thumb 
and heel of the hand on top of the ball parallel to an imag- 


61 




62 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

inary line drawn through the long axis of the ball. The 
fingers should be spread out, gripping the ball. In passing, 
the right hand should be pulled up as the ball is 
passed back. This movement of the right hand will im¬ 
part the spiral twist. The right hand is the power hand 
and the left hand the guide hand. 

On indirect pass plays the center should hand the ball 
to the quarterback. He should not release his hold on the 
ball until the quarterback takes it out of his hands. On 
plays of this kind the center can keep his head up to watch 
his opponent and pass the ball back while he is charging 
forward. 

On short formation plays, where the last man in the 
formation is less than six yards back, the ball should be 
floated back slightly ahead of the runner, so that he can 
receive it on the cross-over. On longer passes or on 
punts, the ball should be snapped back with the greatest 
possible speed, waist high. On the punt the ball should be 
passed directly to the kicker; on runs, slightly ahead. On 
all direct pass plays the center should watch the ball until 
it is in the hands of the receiver. He should be especially 
careful to avoid passing the ball over the receiver’s head. 

Defense 

The center is one of three defensive linemen who is per¬ 
mitted to play in a standing position. This is his privilege 
only when the opponents have the ball outside of his own 
30 yard line, or when his opponents are not making con¬ 
sistent gains through his position. 

The center is responsible for all plays inside of the 
ends and for all passes that go to the weak side and over 
center. He always plays directly in front of the middle 
player of the offensive line. When expecting a line play 
through his position he should drive straight into his op¬ 
ponent, pulling him out of the line if he is charging low, 
or driving him up and back if he is charging high. In us¬ 
ing the second method he can work to either side of the 
offensive center after he sees which way the ball is being 
carried. Whenever the offensive quarterback plays under 
the center in a position to receive the ball from him on an 
indirect pass, the defensive center should play in the line 
and drive straight through, thereby preventing a sneak 
play through his position. 

From the opponents’ own goal line to the defensive 
team’s 30-yard line the center may play about two yards 
back of the line. He should stay in this position when a 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


63 


run or a pass is expected. If a line plunge is anticipated, 
he goes up into the line and drives straight through, but 
if the play develops into a pass or a run, he can drop back 
out of the line and follow the ball. 

In order for the center to diagnose the play, it is es¬ 
sential that he carefully study the opponents’ formation, 
know the down and the distance to go, and note the posi¬ 
tion where the ball is to be put in play on the field. The 
distance that the center may play back of the line may be 
increased depending upon the down and the yardage neces¬ 
sary for first down. When the opponents reach his own 30 
yard line, the center goes into the line, plays in a crouch 
position with one hand on the ground, and charges 
straight ahead. 

When an attempt to block the opponent’s punt is to be 
made, the center should play in the line. Otherwise, when 
a punt is expected, the center should play back about 10 
yards and should block the first offensive lineman coming 
down the center of the field. Punts may be blocked 
through the center by having the center pull the offensive 
center to the right, the left guard drawing the op¬ 
ponents’ right guard to the left, and the fullback, who 
plays back about three yards, going through the opening. 

On defense the center should “talk it up,” occasion¬ 
ally running along the line slapping his team-mates on the 
back and inspiring them on to greater efforts. This is 
especially effective if a long run or a series of short gains 
has been made around or through one particular lineman. 


EXERCISES FOR TEACHING THE FUNDAMENTALS 
OF BACKFIELI) AND LINE FLAY 

Exercise No. 1. 

Place the offensive center, with the ball, about one half 
yard ahead of the other lineman. Place on the right of 
center those men who normally play on the right of center, 
likewise on the left those who normally play on the left. 

nnn?mm 

\ | 

' , * 


The offensive line position is taken with the feet about 24 
inches apart and on the same line, with the toes pointing 
straight to the front. Both hands are placed on the ground 
with the arms straight and in a perpendicular position. The 
back is parallel to the ground; the head held up. After the 
second week of practice the position of the feet should be 



FIG. 21 

Showing- a good offensive line position for the players on the left side 
of the line. The defensive position is practically the same except that 
the arm here shown resting on the thigh is in motion, swinging back¬ 
ward and forward. 


64 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


65 


changed; the inside foot—the one nearest to the ball—be¬ 
ing dropped back about six incres and the outside arm 
brought up, the forearm resting lightly on the thigh. The 
head should be turned slightly to the inside so the player 
may readily see the ball. 

As the ball is snapped the linemen take four short, fast 
steps forward, keeping the back parallel to the ground with 
the legs well under the body. On the last step they dive 
forward flat on the ground. Pick out a soft grassy spot for 
this exercise. This is good practice for developing quick, 
unified charging on offense. 

Exercise No. 2. . ' 


The Shoulder Block 

Line up two offensive linemen shoulder to shoulder 
against one defesive lineman. Have the defen¬ 
sive men stand with their hands on their hips and offer no 
resistance to the charge. The center should be placed in 
position with the ball. With the snap of the ball the of- 

xx xx 

A A ? A A 

t 

* 

I 

i 

X 


fensive linemen start forward as described in Exercise I, 
and meet their opponents with the inside shoulder and the 
side of the head in contact with the legs of the defensive 
men, just above the knees. The defensive linemen should 
then be pushed back by short, fast, digging steps. If the de¬ 
fensive players should work themselves loose from the 
shoulder block, the offensive players should immediately 
try to slip their inside knee between the defensive players’ 
legs. 

Exercise No. 3. 

Practice in teaching offensive linemen to block oppon¬ 
ents to either side when the defensive linemen are playing 
directly opposite them. With the snap of the ball all of the 
offensive linemen take a short step diagonally to the right 
with the right foot. This maneuver will bring their left 


—5 


66 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

shoulders outside of their opponents. The right leg is then 
straightened out, a change of direction is made diagonally 


xxx xxx 

c/ J <J ? d J c? 

i 

i 

i 

i 

X 


to the left, and the left shoulder is brought in contact with 
the left thigh of the opponent. With short, quick steps the 
defensive linemen are then charged to the left. 

Exercise No. 4. 

The offensive linemen are spaced about a yard apart 
and counted off in two’s. The coach then orders each num¬ 
ber one to pull out behind the line and pass the second man 



to his right. When the number one’s are back in position 
the number two’s repeat the exercise. For variation the 
players should be instructed to pass the third or fourth 
man to their right or left as directed. 

The linemen always pivot on the inside or back foot re¬ 
gardless of the direction of the run and carry their bodies 
low, running hard and fast and pumping the arms to give 
them speed. This is an excellent exercise for speeding up 
linemen and for teaching them the proper method of 
swinging out of the line in forming interference. 

Exercise No. 5. 

Set the defensive line slightly to either side of the of¬ 
fensive linemen—later directly in front of them and have 
the offensive linemen use the body block from the front 
and side as explained in the chapter on blocking. 




A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


67 


Exercise No. 6. 

Line up several players in single file on every other 
five-yard line with their hands on the ground. Have the 
backfield men zigzag through this line using the sidestep 
and reverse turn as explained in the chapter on open field 
running. 


Exercise No. 7. 


The Diagonal Shift 

The backfield men are lined up about five yards apart, 
facing the coach. At the command “hep” all of the backs 
cross the left foot diagonally over the right to a point 
about two feet ahead of the right foot. The weight is 


L R 



then shifted to the left foot; a quick spring is made diagon¬ 
ally to the right, bringing the players to rest with both 
feet parallel and about two yards forward of their original 
positions. The hands remain on the knees throughout the 
exercise. 


Exercise No. 8. 


The Lateral Shift 


At the command “hep” the left foot is crossed in front 
of and about 4 inches to the right of the right foot. 



The weight of the body is shifted to the left foot. The play¬ 
er then springs from the left foot and moves out laterally 
about a yard, coming to rest on both feet in the same rela¬ 
tive position assumed before the shift was started. 



68 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

Charging Exercises for Line Defense 

Exercise No. I. 

The defensive position is taken with the inside foot 
back and the inside hand down. The linemen watch the 
ball and charge with it from below, with the back and legs 

* 

*1 l l 

straightened out cn contact—the elbows straight and 
locked. The hands meet the shoulders of the offensive line¬ 
men, in front of and below the shoulder blades. The power 
is then applied in an upward direction, thereby forcing the 
offensive players into an upright position and at the same 
time pushing them back. 

Exercise No. 2. 

With the offense and defense lined up as in Exercise 
No. 1 have the defensive linemen with the snap of the ball 
move forward, each grasping his opponent with both 
hands over the shoulder and hooking his hands in the op¬ 
ponent’s arm pits and at the same time pulling him for¬ 
ward. 

Exercise No. 3. 

The defensive linemen are set slightly to the right of 
the offensive linemen. With the snap of the ball the play¬ 
ers on defense drive up from below with both arms 

x 

i 





\ 

straight and locked at the elbows, driving with both hands 
against the side of the opponent’s head as they meet him, or 
with one hand on the head and one on the shoulder, driv- 



A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


6 9 


ing him out and back. Later change the defense to the 
left, and then straight in front of their opponents and re¬ 
peat the exercise. This exercise is of particular value to 
linemen in teaching them the proper use of their hands 
and the proper application of their power on defense. 
Where a charging sled is not available this exercise should 
be practiced frequently. 

Exercise No. 4. 

Defense Against Quick Shifts 

The offensive ends, guards and center are set on the 
line of scrimmage. The ends play wide enough to permit 
both tackles to move in together on either side. The 
tackles play back one yard from the line of scrimmage, 
behind the center, as shown in the diagram. On defense 
the three center linemen drop back one yard so they will 
be in a better position to watch the movements of the of¬ 
fensive tackles who are the key to the shift. The tackles 

(a) 

T T 

E G X G E 

E T T E 

G C G 

and ends play in their normal defensive positions. 

The coach stands about five yards directly back of the 
defensive team. With either hand he signals to the offen¬ 
sive team the type of shift to be executed. If the right 
hand is raised the shift will be carried to that side of cen¬ 
ter and vice versa. One finger raised on either hand in¬ 
dicates shift (b); two fingers raised indicates shift (c); 
three fingers raised indicates the shift from (c) to (d). 

Shift from (a) to (b). 

E T G X G T E 
E T G C G T E ' 


The defense closes in to meet a regular balanced line. 


70 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 
Shift from (a) to (c). 

E T T G X G E 
E T G C G T E 


The defense move laterally to their left, shifting one 
whole position to meet a four-and-two unbalanced line. 

Shift from (c) to (d). 

E T T G G X E 
E T G C G T E 

On a second “hep” the offensive left guard passes be¬ 
hind his own center and takes his position to the right of 
center. The linemen on the strong side each move one posi¬ 
tion to their right to make room for him. The end on the 
weak side closes in against the center. The defensive line 
again moves one position to the left to meet the new distri¬ 
bution of offensive strength. 

Exercise No. 5. 

The offensive fullbacks and halfbacks with the defen¬ 
sive ends are lined up as indicated. With the snap of the 
ball the ends take two quick steps straight forward then 
turn in to meet the backs. The halfbacks and fullbacks 



also starting with the ball, shoulder-block the ends out. 
This is a good exercise for teaching backfield men the 
shoulder-block and for teaching the ends defensive line 
play. 







A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


71 


A SIMPLE SET OF DOUBLE DIGIT SIGNALS 

The numbers from 1 to 8 are the space numbers between 
the defensive linemen and are always the second digits of 
the play numbers. The play-number is usually the second 
number called, although it may be changed at any time to 
the third number. The backfield men likewise are num¬ 
bered from 20 to 40. The first digit of the play-number 
indicates the man who will carry the ball, the second digit 
the space through which it will be carried. On all 20 plays 
the quarterback carries the ball, on all 30’s one of the half¬ 
backs, and on all 40’s the fullback. Thus the play-num- 

^ 2 _ 3 4 5 6 1 

E T G C G T E 
O O OXO O O 

Q 

( 20 ) 

L F R 

( 30 ) ( 40 ) ( 30 ) 

ber 46 will show at once that the fullback will carry the 
ball between the defensive left guard and tackle. 

The plays are called in two series of three numbers 
each. The first number is always a blank number, un¬ 
less a shift is desired. The second number is the play 
number, which includes, the starting number where set 
formations only are used. The third number is a blank 
number. If a shift is desired the first number called 
should be in the 50’s, and the number if even will show 
that the shift is to be carried to the right of center, and if 
odd to the left. 

The first number of the second series is always a blank 
number. The second should be a repetition of the play 
number. The third is a blank except where a shift for¬ 
mation is called in which case the word “hep” is substi¬ 
tuted. Example—58-37-59—84-37-“hep.” The first num¬ 
ber 58 shows a shift to the right, 37 shows that the left 
halfback will carry the ball between the defensive left 
tackle and end, 59 and 84 are blank numbers. Thirty- 
seven is a repetition of the play number. 

In using set formation plays the quarterback should 
call out the name of the formation before calling his sig¬ 
nals. The players continue to line up in this formation 


72 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

on each succeeding play until the quarterback changes the 
formation. 

Where set formations only are used (formations in 
which the linemen and backfield men are placed in position 
before the signals are called) a starting signal should be 
used. A simple, yet effective method follows: If the play- 
number is even the ball is snapped on the second number 
of the second series. If the play-number is odd the ball is 
snapped on the third number. Example—78-37-59—84-37- 
63. The play-number being an odd number the ball is 
snapped on 63, or the third number of the second series. 

Where set formations and shift formations are used to¬ 
gether, the ball is always snapped on the third number 
of the second series of all set formation plays, regardless 
of whether the play number is odd or even. 

All trick plays are in the 70’s. 

All forward passes are in the 80’s. 

All kick plays are in the 90’s. 



OFFENSE 

Under the chapter on offense three distinct systems of 
football will be discussed. The first of these—the punt 
formation—is used in one form or another by all teams; 
the second—the set tandem formation, and the third—the 
Notre Dame Shift, are short-formation systems of play 
which have been simplified to meet the needs of high 
school teams. The tandem formation is far easier to teach 
than the shift. Where the coach has only limited experi¬ 
ence in teaching football he will do well to concentrate on 
the tandem formation, but where he has had consider¬ 
able experience and has fairly experienced material to 
work with, especially in the backfield, he should get good 
results from using the shift. 

Along with the shift two regular formation plays are 
recommended to give the offense a combination of direct 
and indirect pass plays which add variety to the attack. 

Systems of football in the past few years have become 
more or less standardized and it is is not uncommon to see 
two teams using the same style of play. Neither team need 
feel handicapped under these circumstances. The fact 
that the signals are different places both teams on equal 
terms, and where the teams are evenly matched the one 
that plays the better football should win. 

The plays that are given for the three formations are 
very much alike and have the same play numbers. 

All three systems of football are built on the theory of 
running guards in the interference. If the guards or the 
men shifted to the guards’ positions are fairly active and 
the tackles and center are good blockers, it is advisable to 
use the plays from these formations as given. If on the 
other hand the line material is inexperienced and inclined 
to be awkward it is best to leave the guards in the line 
and let them charge straight forward. 

In the detailed plays that follow, the men are shown in 
the positions that they usually occupy. The coach may at 
any time change his men around to get the strongest of¬ 
fensive and defensive strength. 


73 


THE KICKOFF 


All of the offensive players, except the halfbacks and 
the safety rush down the field at top speed. The half¬ 
backs trail the ends on the inside, watching for criss-cross 
runs or lateral passes. The kicker goes down the field to 
the left of the ball. The safety drops back to guard against 
a return punt. The cup system of defense is used on the 
kickoff; the ends driving the play in to the tackles, and 
the tackles in turn forcing the runner in to the three cen¬ 
ter men. All of the players on the kicking side are on- 
side and have the same right to a free ball that the oppon¬ 
ents have. 

The players on the side receiving the kick quickly note 
the height and direction of the ball, then drop back to 
form interference for the runner. The ball should be car¬ 
ried down the center of the field and the interference 
formed directly ahead of the man carrying the ball. The 
rolling body-block should be used in blocking opponents 
attempting to tackle the runner. 

The three center men should never touch a hard-driven 
ball, but should permit it to pass. 


74 


A MANUAL OP FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


75 


I ' 



i i 































PLAYS FROM A PUNT FORMATION 

To place his men for this formation, the quarterback 
will call out “punt formation.” The backfield lines up as 
diagramed above, with two backfield men—usually the 
right halfback and the fullback—on the right, and one 
back—usually either the quarterback or the left half¬ 
back—on the left. The right halfbacks plays 2 y 2 yards from 
the line of scrimmage and in the space between the right 
guard and right tackle. The fullback plays iy 2 yards di¬ 
rectly behind the right halfback. The quarterback or left 
halfback plays 3 yards back of the line of scrimmage and 
in the space between the left guard and left tackle. The 
last man in the formation plays 8 yards back and directly 
behind the center. On a punt or drop kick this distance 
should be increased to about 10 yards. The man in this 
position should be able to run, kick and pass to make this 
formation really effective. The ends are set from 2 to 2 y 2 
yards out from their tackles. 

All of the backs, except the man in the kicker’s posi¬ 
tion assume the crouched position with one hand on the 
ground, or with both elbows resting on their thighs. The 
man in the kicker’s position stands erect with his hands 
outstretched to receive the ball. 


N 


76 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


77 


Play No. 1. 


Worked only on the right. 
Signal 37. 


R L 



Right End and Right Halfback—block the tackle in. 

Right Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Right Guard—comes around behind his own line to 
interfere for the runner. 

Center—blocks the center. 

Left Guard—goes through for the fullback. 

Left Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Left End—goes through and across for the defensive 
left halfback or the safety. 

Fullback and Quarterback—shoulder-block the end out. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball, which is passed 
slightly ahead of him, and carries it between the defensive 
left end and tackle, or around the end, depending upon 
the way the end came in and was blocked. 










78 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No, 2. 


Worked only on the right. 
Signal 36. 



L 



Right End and Right Halfback—Block tackle out. 

Right Tackle and Right Guard—take the guard 
straight back. 

Center—blocks the center to the left. 

Left Guard—comes around behind his own line with 
the snap of the ball and leads the left halfback into the 
hole. 

Left Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Left End—goes through and across for the fullback. 

Fullback and Quarterback—shoulder-block the end out. 

Left Halfback—starts the same as on the previous play, 
and when about 4 yards from the line of scrimmage cuts 
back between the defensive guard and tackle. 







A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


79 


Play No. 3. 


R 


Worked only oil the right. 
Signal 45. 

L 



Right End—blocks the tackle. 

Right Tackle and Right Halfback—block the guard to 
the right. 

Right Guard and Center—block the center to the left. 

Left Guard—drives through the guard, then blocks the 
fullback. 

Left Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Left End—goes through and across for the fullback. 

Fullback—carries the ball between the guard and cen¬ 
ter. 

Quarterback—follows through after the left guard. 

Left Halfback—fakes to the right. 








80 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No. 4. 

Worked only on the left. 

Signal 44. 

R L 


F 



Right End—goes through for the fullback. 

Right Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Right Guard—drives through the guard, then blocks 
the fullback. 

Center and Left Guard—block the center to the right. 

Left Tackle and Quarterback—block the guard to the 
left. 

Left End—blocks the tackle. 

Right Halfback—follows the right guard through. 

Fullback—carries the ball between the guard and cen¬ 
ter. 

Left Halfback—fakes to the right. 





A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


81 


Play No. 5. 

Worked only on the left. 
Signal 33. 


R 


L 


F 




E 


Right End—goes through for the fullback. 

Right Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Right Guard—comes around behind the line with the 
snap of the ball and leads the left halfback into the hole. 

Center—blocks the center to the right. 

Left Guard and Left Tackle—take the guard straight 
back. 

Left End and Quarterback—block the tackle out. 

Right Halfback and Fullback—shoulder-block the end 
out. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball which is passed 
straight back to him and carries it the same as on play 
number 2. 


—6 










82 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No. 6. 

Worked only on the left. 

Signal 32. 

Right End—goes through for the fullback. 

R L 


F 




Right Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Right Guard and Left Guard—come around behind 
their own line, outside of the defensive tackle to form in¬ 
terference for the runner. 

Center—blocks the center. 

Left Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Left End and Quarterback—block the tackle in. 

Right Halfback and Fullback—shoulder-block the end 
out. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball which is passed 
straight back to him and carries it between the defensive 
right end and tackle, or around the end, depending upon 
the way the end came in and was blocked. 









A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


83 


Play No. 7. 


R 


Worked only on the right. 
Signal 75. 


L 


F 



Right End and Right Halfback—block the tackle. 

Right Tackle and Quarterback—block the guard to the 
right. 

Right Guard and Center—block the center to the left. 

Left Guard and Left Tackle—take the guard straight 
back. 

Left End—blocks the tackle. 

Fullback—blocks the end. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball which is led slightly 
ahead of him, starts diagonally to the right, then cuts 
back through center. 






84 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No. 8. 


Running Pass 

Worked only on the right. 
Signal 87. 



L 



Right End—goes straight down the field about 8 yards, 
then makes a right-angle turn to the right, looking for the 
ball. 

Right Tackle and Right Guard—block the guard. 

Center—blocks the center. 

Left Guard and Left Tackle—block the guard. 

Left End—goes down the field to receive the pass or to 
block off the safety after the pass is completed. 

Right Halfback—goes out laterally at top speed, look¬ 
ing for the ball. 

Fullback—blocks the end. 

Quarterback—blocks the tackle. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball, fakes a run, and 
passes the ball to either the right halfback, right end, or 
the left end, respectively. 










A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


96 


Play No. 9. 



Signal on right, 85 

L 



Right End—goes straight down the field about 8 yards 
and makes a right-angle turn to the right to draw the de¬ 
fensive left halfback away from the pass. 

Right Tackle and Right Guard—block the guard. 

Center—blocks the center. 

Left Guard and Left Tackle—block the guard. 

Left End—goes straight down the field about 8 yards, 
then turns to the left to draw the defensive right half¬ 
back away from the pass. 

Right Halfback—runs out to the right,, around the de¬ 
fensive left tackle, takes about four Steps straight down 
the field from the line of scrimmage, then cuts diagonally 
back towards the center. He should look for the ball and it 
should be passed to him on the run as he turns toward the 
inside. 

Fullback—blocks the end. 

Quarterback—blocks the tackle. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball which is led slightly 
ahead of him and comes to a stop on his fourth step, 
and passes the ball to the right halfback. 











8-6 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No. 10. 


Screen Pass 


Worked only on the right. 
Signal 84. 


R 


L 


E 


T 


6 


A 


6 


0 


\ > 
\ i 

v 


4 A 


<!i 


O' x 6 


i 


6 


R 




\ I 


L- 


\ \ 

» \ 

\ » 


T 


6 


E 


On this pass the offensive linemen with the snap of the 
ball avoid the defensive linemen, permitting them to come 
through while they rush down the field toward the back- 
field defense. They do not block them, but merely inter¬ 
fere with their freedom of action. 

Quarterback and Right Halfback—sift through the de¬ 
fensive linemen and receive the ball behind the screen 
formed, usually in front of the defensive fullback. 

Fullback—protects the passer. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball and passes to one of 
the open receivers. 











A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


87 


Play No. 11. 


Signal 95. 

R 


Punt 




L 


Right End and Left End—both start with the snap of 
the ball and go down the field to cover the punt. 

Right Tackle and Right Guard—block the guard until 
the ball is kicked. 

Center—blocks center until the ball is kicked. 

Left Guard or Left Tackle—the fastest and best tackier 
of the two starts with the snap of the ball and goes down 
the center of the field to make the tackle. The one who re¬ 
mains behind blocks until the ball is kicked. 

Right Halfback and Quarterback—make the defensive 
tackles pass outside of them; making them widen as much 
as possible to delay them. 

Fullback—either makes the defensive end pass outside 
of him or he blocks any lineman coming through the 
center. 














88 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No. 12a. 


Signal 93. 


Place Kick 


R 


L 



Right End and Left End—play about a yard from their 
own tackles to make the defensive tackles widen so that 
they can be blocked or delayed in coming in to block the 
kick. They do not charge with the ball, but delay their 
charge to see which way the tackles come through, then 
dive across their thighs. The guards, tackles and center 
block the same as on passes, until the ball is kicked; they 
then go down the field to make the tackle in case the goal 
is missed and the opponents elect to run back the ball. 

Right Halfback and Fullback—delay the ends by mak¬ 
ing them pass on the outside. 

Quarterback—takes his position from 7 to 8 yards from 
the line of scrimmage. 

Left Halfback—takes his position about 2 yards be¬ 
hind the quarterback. 









A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


89 


Play No. 12b. 

Place Kick Following a Touchdown 

Signal 94. 

A small mound of dirt about 3 inches high and about 7 
inches square is placed about 7 yards from the line of 
scrimmage and directly behind center. The quarterback 
receives the ball from the center and places it in position 
on the tee, with its long axis perpendicular to the 
ground. The kicker stands with his left foot to the left 
and slightly behind the mound with his right foot drawn 
back. The instant the ball is set he swings the right foot 
forward, meeting the ball with the toe, scooping it up, and 
following it through. 

Play No. 13. 

Drop Kick 

Signal 94. 

The offensive line is lined up the same and blocks 
the same as on the place kick. The backfield blocks the 
same as on the punt. 


A SIMPLE SYSTEM OF OFFENSE FROM A SET TAN¬ 
DEM FORMATION 


To place his men for this formation, the quarterback 
will call out “Tandem Right,” if the formation is to be 
set on the right of center. The right halfback then takes 
his position from 2 to 3 feet outside of his own end, and 
from iy 2 to 2 yards behind the line of scrimmage. The 
quarterback plays about 2 y 2 yards behind the line and in 
the space between the right guard and tackle. The full¬ 
back plays directly behind the quarterback, or slightly 
inside, and 4% yards from the line of scrimmage. The left 
halfback plays in the space between the left guard and 
center, an^l on a line with the fullback. 

The starting position of the backfield players is the 
same as on the punt formation. 


90 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


91 


Play No. 1. 

Signal on left, 32. 

R 


E 


Signal on right, 37. 

L 



Right End and Right Halfback—block the tackle in. 

Right Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Right Guard—comes around behind his own line to 
form interference. 

Center—blocks the center. 

Left Guard—goes through for the defensive fullback. 

Left Tackle—blocks the tackle. 

Left End—goes through and across for the defensive 
left halfback or safety. 

Quarterback and Fullback—shoulder-block the end out. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball on the cross-over, 
shifts the ball to his outside arm and starts out laterally 
and slightly forward at about quarter speed. On his 
fourth step, he either makes a right-angle turn and cuts 
between the defensive end and tackle or continues on 
around the end, depending upon the way the end came in 
and was blocked by the quarterback and fullback. 

Note: If the defensive end is playing extra wide, the 
quarterback may block him alone. The fullback will then 
turn inside and go down the field ahead of the man with 
the ball. 















92 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No. 2. 

Signal on left, 33. 


Signal on right, 36. 



Right End and Quarterback—block the tackle out. 

Right Tackle and Right Halfback—block the guard in. 

Right Guard—drives through the guard and blocks 
the fullback. 

Center—blocks the center. 

Left Guard—comes around behind his own line and 
leads the man with the ball into the hole. 

Left Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Left End—goes through and across for the fullback. 

Fullback—blocks the end. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball on the cross-over, 
takes four short running steps to the right and slightly 
forward—hitting on the outside foot—and carries the ball 
between the defensive guard and tackle. 





A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


93 


Play No. 3. 


Signal on left, 44. 


Signal on right, 45. 


R 


L 


F 


E 


T 



E 


Right End—goes through for the fullback. 

Right Tackle and Quarterback—block the guard to the 
right. 

Right Guard and Center—block the center to the left. 

Left Guard—drives through to the guard, then blocks 
the fullback. 

Left Tackle— blocks the guard. 

Left End—goes through and across for the fullback. 

Right Halfback—blocks the tackle. 

Fullback—receives the ball on a direct pass, delays an 
instant, and carries the ball between the defensive guard 
and center. 

Left halfback—leads the fullback into the hole. 





94 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No. 4. 

Signal on left, 46. 


Signal on right, 43. 



L 


F 



Right End—goes through for the fullback. 

Right Tackle and Right Guard—take the guard straight 
back. 

Center—blocks the center. 

Left Guard and Tackle—take the guard straight back. 

Left End and Quarterback—block the tackle out. 

Fullback—receives the ball on a direct pass, delays 
an instant to let the left halfback pass, and carries the ball 
between the defensive tackle and guard on the weak side. 

Right Halfback—goes through for the fullback. 

Left Halfback—fakes across in front of the fullback 
and blocks the tackle. 






A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


95 


Play ]No. 5. 


Signal on right, 72. 


R 


L 



Right End—goes through for the fullback. 

Right Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Right Guard—ccmes around behind his own line and 
forms interference for the runner. 

Center—blocks the opening left by the right guard. 

Left Guard—comes around behind his own line and 
helps his left end block the tackle in. 

Left Tackle—blocks the opening left by the left guard. 

Left End—blocks the tackle in. 

Quarterback—blocks the right end out. 

Fullback—blocks the left end. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball on the cross-over, and 
carries it inside of the right halfback, at the same time 
handing him the ball. After passing the ball the left half¬ 
back continues and blocks the tackle. 

Right Halfback—starts with the snap of the ball, piv¬ 
ots on his right foot and takes the ball from the left half¬ 
back. He carries it either inside or outside of the defen¬ 
sive right end, depending upon the way the end came in 
and was blocked. 












96 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

Play No. 0. 


Worked only on right. 
Signal 75. 


R 


L 



Right End—goes through for the fullback. 

Right Tackle and Quarterback—block the guard to the 
right. 

Right Guard and Center—block center to the left. 

Left Guard and Left Tackle—take the guard straight 
back. 

Left End—goes through for the fullback. 

Right Halfback—blocks the tackle. 

Fullback—blocks the end. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball on the cross-over, 
takes one more step—hitting on the outside foot—and 
cuts back through center. 







A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


97 


Play No. 7. 

Running Pass 

Signal on right, 87. 

R L 



Right End—goes straight down the field about 8 yards 
then makes a right-angle turn to the right, looking for the 
ball. 

Right Tackle and Right Guard—block the guard. 

Center—blocks the center. 

Left Guard and Left Tackle—block the guard. 

Left End—goes down and across the field to receive 
the pass or to block off the safety after the pass is com¬ 
pleted. 

Quarterback—blocks the tackle. 

Right Halfback—takes two steps straight down the 
field, then goes out laterally at top speed, looking for the 
ball. 

Fullback—blocks the end. 

Left halfback—receives the ball, fakes a run out later¬ 
ally, passing to either the right halfback, right end, or 
left end, respectively. 


—7 









98 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 
Play No. 8. 


Signal on right, 85. 



Right End—goes straight down the field about 8 yards 
and makes a right-angle turn to draw the defensive left 
halfback away from the pass. 

Right Tackle and Right Guard—block the guard. 

Center—blocks the center. 

Left Guard and Left Tackle—block the guard. 

Left End—goes straight down the field about 8 yards, 
then swings to the left to draw the defensive right half¬ 
back away from the pass. 

Right Halfback—runs about 6 yards straight down the 
field, then turns back across center. He should look for 
the ball and it should be passed just as he turns toward the 
inside. 

Quarterback—blocks the tackle. 

Fullback—blocks the end. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball on a direct pass and 
comes to a complete stop on the fourth step, passing the 
ball to the right halfback. 












A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


99 


Play No. 9. 


Screen Pass 


Signal on right, 84. 


R L 



On this pass the offensive linemen with the snap of the 
ball avoid the defensive linemen, permitting them to come 
through while they rush down the field toward the back- 
field defense. They do not block them, but merely inter¬ 
fere with their freedom of action. 

Quarterback and Right Halfback—sift through the de¬ 
fensive linemen and receive the ball behind the screen 
so formed. 

Fullback—drops back to protect the passer. 

Left Halfback—drops back about two yards and passes 
to an open receiver. 













PLAYS FROM REGULAR FORMATION 

(Used with the shift) 

The quarterback takes his position on this formation 
behind the center; the fullback directly behind the quar¬ 
terback and about 4 y 2 yards from the line of scrimmage. 
The halfbacks place themselves on a line with the full¬ 
back and behind their respective tackles. All of the backs, 
except the quarterback, have their hands on their knees. 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 101 


Play No. 1. 

Signal on left, 43. 


Signal on right, 46. 



Right End and Right Halfback—block the tackle out. 

Right Tackle and Right Guard—take the guard straight 
back. 

Center—blocks the center to the left, then goes through 
for the fullback. 

Left Guard—goes through for the fullback. 

Left Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Left End—goes through and across for the defensive 
left halfback. 

Fullback—receives the ball from the quarterback and 
carries it between the defensive guard and tackle. 

Left Halfback—fakes to the right. 

Quarterback—receives the ball from the center, takes 
a step with his left foot to the right, and passes the ball 
to the fullback with the left hand. 





102 A MANUAL OP FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No. 2. 

Worked only on the right. 
Signal 74. 

R L 


F 



Right End—goes through to block the fullback. 

Right Tackle and Right Guard—take the guard straight 
back. 

Center—blocks the center to the right. 

Left Guard and Left Tackle—take the guard straight 
back. 

Left End—blocks the tackle out. 

Right Halfback—blocks the tackle same as in play 
number one. 

Quarterback—pivots on his right foot and takes a 
step to the right with his left foot, faking the ball to the 
left halfback. He then pivots around on both toes to the 
right and passes the ball to the fullback with the right 
hand. 

Fullback—drops down on one hand, concealing him¬ 
self until the quarterback has made the fake to the left 
halfback. He then starts forward to the left looking for 
an opening. 




PLAYS FROM A SHIFT FORMATION 
(Simplified Notre Dame Shift) 


E 


T G C G T 


E 


o«-o OOXOO «>»o 



R 



/ 


■ j 


The shift is started from the regular formation. The 
formation number is any number in the 50’s, the first num¬ 
ber called; and the number, odd oi^ even, shows the 
side to which the backfield will shift. The quarterback 
substitutes the word “hep” for the third number of the 
second series, then counts “one-two,” the ball being 
snapped on the two. All of the backfield men take two 
steps during the shift. When the shift is to the right the 
right halfback takes the diagonal shift forward and the 
quarterback the same shift backward, while the other two 
backs take the lateral shift. (See chapter on Exercises for 
Teaching the Fundamentals of Backfield and Line Play.) 

If the shift is to the right the right halfback moves 
forward and comes to rest in the center of the space be¬ 
tween his own right end and tackle, and 2 y 2 yards from 
the line of scrimmage. The quarterback moves back¬ 
ward to a point directly behind his right guard and on a 
line with the right halfback. The fullback shifts out lat¬ 
erally to the space between the right tackle and right 
guard, 4y 2 yards from the line of scrimmage. The left 
halfback also moves laterally to the space between the 
left guard and center and on a line with the fullback. The 
ends shift out a yard along the line of scrimmage. All of 
the backs start with their hands on their knees and keep 
them in this position throughout the shift. 

If it is desired to have the fullback or the quarterback 
carry the ball from the above formation, the change in 
positions should be made before the signals are called. 
Thus, if the quarterback wishes to carry the ball on 37, 
he takes the left halfback’s position; calls his signals 
from this position, and moves the left halfback into the 
quarterback position. 


103 




104 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No. 1. 

Signal on left, 32. Signal on right, 37. 




Right End and Quarterback—block the tackle in. 

Right Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Right Guard—comes around behind his own line and 
forms interference. 

Center—covers hole left by the guard. 

Left Guard—goes through to block the fullback. 

Left Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Left End—goes through and across for the defensive 
left halfback or safety. 

Right Halfback and Fullback—shoulder-block the end 
out. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball on the cross-over, 
shifts the ball to the outside arm, and starts slightly for¬ 
ward at about one-quarter speed. On his fourth step or 
outside foot, he either makes a right-angle turn between 
the defensive end and tackle, or continues on around 
the end, depending upon the way the end came in and 
was blocked. 

Note: If the defensive end is playing extra wide, the 
right halfback can block him alone by using the rolling 
body block and the fullback will then turn inside and go 
down the field ahead of the man with the ball. 





A MANUAL OP FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 105 


Play No. 2. 

Signal on left, 33. Signal on right, 36. 



Right End—blocks the tackle out. 

Right Tackle and Right Halfback—block the guard to 
the left. 

Right Guard—drives through the guard and blocks 
the fullback. 

Center—blocks the center. 

Left Guard—comes around behind his own line and 
leads the left halfback into the hole. 

Left tackle—blocks the guard. 

Left end goes through and across for the fullback. 

Quarterback—delays to let the right halfback pass 
in front of him, then helps the end block the tackle out. 

Fullback—blocks the end. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball on the cross-over, 
takes four short running steps slightly forward and to 
the right, then makes a right-angled turn, carrying the 
ball between the defensive guard and tackle. 




106 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No. 3. 


Signal on left, 44. 


Signal on right,45. 



L 



Right End—goes through for the fullback. 

Right Tackle and Quarterback—block the guard out. 

Right Guard and Center—block the guard to the left. 

Left Guard—drives through the guard, then blocks the 
fullback. 

Left Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Left End—goes through and across for the fullback. 

Right Halfback—blocks the tackle. 

Left Halfback—leads the fullback into the hole. 

Fullback—receives the ball on a direct pass, delays an 
instant and carries the ball between the guard and cen¬ 
ter. 







A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 107 


Play No. 4. 

Signal on loft, 46. Signal on right, 43. 


R L 


F 



Right End—goes through for the fullback. 

Right Tackle and Right Guard—block the guard. 

Center—blocks the center to the right. 

Left Guard and Left Tackle—take the guard straight 
back. 

Left End and Quarterback—block the tackle out. 

Left Halfback—fakes across in front of the fullback 
and blocks the tackle. 

Fullback—receives the ball on a direct pass, delays to 
let the left halfback pass in front of him and carries it be¬ 
tween the defensive right guard and tackle. 

Right Halfback—goes through for the fullback. 





108 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

Play No. 5. 

Signal on the right, 72. 



L 



Right End—goes through for the fullback. 

Right Tackle—blocks the guard. 

Right Guard—comes around behind his own line and 
forms interference for the runner. 

Center—blocks the opening left by the right guard. 

Left Guard—comes around behind his own line and 
helps his left end block the tackle in. 

Left Tackle—blocks the opening left by the left 
guard. 

Left End—blocks the tackle in. 

Quarterback—blocks the right end out. 

Fullback—blocks the left end. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball on the cross-over, and 
carries it inside of the right halfback, at the same time 
handing him the ball. After passing the ball the left 
halfback continues and blocks the tackle. 

Right Halfback—comes up to his normal position, 
then pivots on his right foot and faces in the opposite 
direction. The ball is handed to him and he carries it 
either inside or outside of the defensive right end, de¬ 
pending upon the way the end came in and was blocked. 









A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 109 


Play No. 6. 


Worked only on the right. 
Signal 75. 



Right End—goes through for the fullback. 

Right Tackle and Quarterback—block the guard to the 
right. 

Right Guard and Center—block the center to the left. 

Left Guard and Left Tackle—take the guard straight 
back. 

Left End—blocks the tackle. 

Right Halfback—blocks the tackle. 

Fullback—blocks the end. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball on the cross-over, 
take one more step, hitting on the outside foot, and cuts 
back through center. 





110 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No. 7. 


Running Pass 

Signal on the right, 87. 


E 



Right End—goes straight down the field about 8 
yards, then makes a right-angle turn to the right, look¬ 
ing for the ball. 

Right Tackle and Right Guard—block the guard. 

Center—blocks the center. 

Left Guard and Left Tackle—block the guard. 

Left End—goes down the field to receive the pass or 
to block off the safety after the pass is completed. 

Right Halfback—goes out laterally along the line of 
scrimmage, looking for the ball. 

Quarterback—blocks the tackle. 

Fullback—blocks the end. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball and fakes a run by 
starting out laterally, passing either to the right half¬ 
back, right end, or the left end, respectively. 








A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 111 


Play No. 8. 


Worked only on the right. 
Signal 85. 



and makes a right-angle turn to the right to draw the de¬ 
fensive left halfback away from the pass. 

Right Tackle and Right Guard—block the guard. 

Center—blocks the center. 

Left Guard and Left Tackle—block the guard. 

Left End—goes straight down the field about 8 yards 
then swings off toward the left to draw the defensive 
right halfback away from the pass. 

Right Halfback—runs outside of the defensive tackle, 
takes about six steps straight down the field from the 
line of scrimmage, then cuts back diagonally over center. 
He should look for the ball and it should be passed to him 
on the run just as he turns toward the inside. 

Quarterback—blocks the tackle. 

Fullback—blocks the end. 

Left Halfback—receives the ball on a direct pass, 
comes to a complete stop on the fourth step, and passes 
the ball to the right halfback. 










112 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


Play No. 9. 

Screen Pass 

Worked only on the right. 
Signal 84. 

R L 



On this pass the offensive linemen with the snap of 
the ball avoid the defensive linemen permitting them to 
come through while they rush down the field toward the 
backfield defense. They do not block them, but merely 
interfere with their freedom of action. 

Quarterback and Right Halfback—sift through the de¬ 
fensive linemen and receive the ball behind the screen 
formed. 

Fullback—protects the passer. 

Left Halfback—drops back about 2 yards and passes 
to an open receiver. 











A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 113 


Line Defense 

The cup system of defense is the one used by most 
teams and is the most practical of all. The ends charge in 
fast and turn the play in to the tackles; the tackles force 
the play into the guards and center. 

The primary line—that is, everybody on the defensive 
line except the center—charges aggressively with the snap 
of the ball, trying to stop the play by piling it up behind 
the line of scrimmage. 


Balanced Line 

The ends take two steps straight forward, then face 
in to meet the play. The tackles playing slightly outside 
of the offensive ends drive in fast, outside of the ends. The 
guards playing between the offensive guards and tackles. 


S' 

E 



o o 

o 1 

t o 

o o 

T ( 

3 ( 

' ( 

> r ■% 



drive in against the tackles, driving them against the ends, 
and back into the play. The center drives straight ahead, 
shoving the offensive center back into the backfield. 

Unbalanced Line 

The line defense is the same against an unbalanced 
line as against the balanced line. All of the defensive 
linemen move one position in the direction of the oppon¬ 
ents’ shift, and charge in the same manner. Regardless of 
whether the opponents use a balanced or an unbalanced 




4 

i _ + 


O O 

E 

G 




line, the tackles always play the offensive ends; the 
guards play between the second and third offensive line¬ 
men and the center always in front of the middle line¬ 
man in the offensive formation. 

Defense Against Quick Shifts 

The defense against these shifts are diagramed and 
fully explained in the chapter on Exercises for Teaching 
the Fundamentals of Backfield and Line Play. 


—8 














PUNT DEFENSE 


This defense should be used when a punt is expected. 
The ends go in carefully, watching for an end run. If the 
kicker is slow and sluggish, the ends should try to block 
the kick. The tackles play a little wider than usual and 
rush through to block the kick. The guards drive through 
as on running plays. The center plays back about 10 yards 
and drops back with the kick, blocking the first man com¬ 



ing down the center of the field. The fullback and the right 
halfback play back about 15 yards and inside of the offen¬ 
sive ends. They keep on the inside and slightly ahead of the 
ends until they cut in to tackle the receiver. The regular 


114 











A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 115 


rolling body-block is then used. The left halfback and the 
quarterback play back at the extreme range of the kicker 
and about 20 yards apart. When one receives the kick the 
other crosses over in front of him either to block for him 
or to be on the lookout for a fumble. 


DEFENSE AGAINST RUNNING AND PASSING ATTACK 


The defense against running plays and forward passes 
begins with the linemen. It is their duty to drive in and 
break up the play before it gets well started. The primary 
line (ends, guards and tackles) drive in aggressively 
through the opponents’ line. The secondary defense (full¬ 
back and center) follow in front of the ball fighting their 
way to the man who is carrying it. The tertiary defense 
(both halfbacks) hold themselves in reserve until the play 
develops; then they go in to meet it. On passes the prim¬ 
ary defense should hurry the passer so that he will not 
have time to locate his open receivers. The backs should 
keep the receivers of passes between themselves and the 
passer until the ball leaves his hand; they then play the 
ball. They should intercept all short passes except on the 
fourth down. When in doubt they should knock all passes 
to the ground. 

In the case of high school teams, since the players are 
inexperienced, and the opponents pass plays are generally 
not known in advance, the players should be thoroughly 
drilled in the general principles of forward pass defense. 
As far as possible the duties of the defensive players should 
be clearly outlined, especially with respect to the covering 
of eligible receivers. 


116 


DEFENSE AGAINST PUNT OR SHORT FORMATIONS 


1. Diamond Defense Formation. 


L 



F 

R 

O O 
G 



X O O 

L 0 


i 

i 

* 





» YARD Ul 

To be used from the opponent’s goal line to the defen¬ 
sive team’s 30 yard line. 

Ends, Tackles and Guards—play in their normal defensive 
positions and charge in agressively to develop the 
play. 


117 




118 


Center—plays about two yards back of the line, and stays 
in this position when a run or pass is expected. If a 
line plunge is anticipated, he goes up into the line and 
drives straight through, but if the play develops into 
a pass or a run, he can drop back out of the line and 
follow the ball. On passes he covers any receiver on 
the weak side and with the fullback covers the space 
over center. 

Halfbacks—play from 12 to 15 yards back of the line and 
in the spaces between their own tackles and ends. 
They are responsible for all long runs. On passes 
they cover the ends on their respective sides, or any 
halfbacks who come deep. 

Fullback—plays in the center of the opponent’s offensive 
strength and from 6 to 8 yards back. He is respon¬ 
sible for all plays from end to end. On passes he 

covers any eligible player who goes out laterally or 
into the center area. 

Quarterback—plays back in a position to handle a punt 
until the opponents pass the center of the field, he 
then moves up to a point about 20 yards from the 
line. On passes he plays the ball and covers any eli¬ 
gible man who is not covered by the other backs. 

The diagram shows the defensive position of the ends, 
the two halfbacks and the fullback against a punt forma¬ 
tion. If the opponents use a short formation, i. e., the last 
man in their backfield formation playing less than 6 yards 
from the line of scrimmage, all of the defensive backs and 
the ends move in closer to the ball. 


A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 119 


2. Square Defense Formation. 

To be used from the defensive team’s 30 yard line to 
their own goal line. 


30 YARD LINE 


R 


Q 


0 0 0 X 0 0 0 



- I I GOAL LINE 

Center—moves into the line, becomes a member of the 
primary defense, and drives straight through. 

Fullback and Right Halfback—(the two best men at back¬ 
ing up a line) take their positions directly behind 
their own tackles and from 4 to 5 yards back. On run¬ 
ning plays they reinforce the line and assist the half¬ 
backs on wide end runs on their respective sides. They 
are responsible for all running plays from end to end. 
On pass plays they cover passes over the center area 
and short lateral passes on either side. 

Left Halfback and Quarterback—play from 12 to 15 yards 
back and in the spaces between their own tackles and 
ends. They are responsible for all long runs. On 
passes they cover the ends on their respective sides, or 
any halfbacks who come deep. 










120 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


This defense should be used right up to the goal line 
against teams that are strong on end runs and passes. 

From either defensive formation, if an offensive end 
should turn in sharply over center, the halfback who is 
covering him should look to see if there is an eligible re¬ 
ceiver coming from the opposite direction to criss-cross 
with him; if so, he should call out, “man across,” leave 
the man he was originally covering to be cared for by the 
other halfback, and himself take the player coming toward 
him. 

3. Goal Line Defense. 

Defense to be used inside the 5-yard line against 
teams that are exceptionally strong in smashing the line, 
and not especially strong on end runs or passes. 

The fullback goes into the line to the right of the cen¬ 
ter. This makes an eight-man primary defense. All of the 
linemen play with one hand on the ground and drive 


R F L 

o 

0 0 0 X 0 0 0 
E T G C F G T 


<' 


S YARD LINE 


E 


. _ GOAL LINE 

t -o- R 

straight in. The two halfbacks and the quarterback play 
from 2 to 6 yards back, the distance varying with the prox¬ 
imity of the ball to the goal line. They support the line 
and cover short passes. 

4. Screen Pass Defense. 

Ends and Tackles—rush the passer. 

Guards and Center—when they feel the offensive line 
drifting through should drop back, keeping the eligible 
men between themselves and the passer, at the same 
time being on the alert to intercept the pass. 

Halfbacks—cover the ends. 

Fullback—should fight his way through the screen to cov¬ 
er eligible men and to attempt to intercept the pass. 







GENERAL DEFENSE AGAINST OPEN FORMATIONS 


Since open formations are in common use and the op¬ 
ponent’s plays are generally not known beforehand, the 
most that can be done in preparation against this style of 
attack is to give the players practice against the most com¬ 
monly used open formations. Each open formation re¬ 
quires its own special defense. 

Inasmuch as the offensive strength is divided, the op¬ 
ponents are thereby prevented from attacking any one spot 
with great force. When the opponents spread out, the de¬ 
fense must spread out with them. In meeting formations of 
this kind the defense should learn to size up the oppon¬ 
ent’s formation and its possibilities, to note the distribu¬ 
tion of the players, and to shift instantly to meet them. 

If a new formation should take the defense completely 
by surprise, and the opponents are making consistent 
gains with it, the defensive team should take time out for a 
conference to solve the formation and to perfect a defense. 

The following diagrams show some of the open forma¬ 
tions that are in common use, and the special defense, 
which is generally used with good success against each of 
them. 


121 


122 


1. Open Formation. One Halfback playing Wide on 
Each Side. 


L 



F 

OOXOO 
T G C G 


T 



F 


L R 

Guards—play in their normal defensive position and 
charge in aggressively to develop the play. 

Tackles—widen a little so as to be in a better position to 
break up end runs and hurry the passer. 

Center—plays in the line because of the threat of a line 
buck by the fullback. If the ball is passed direct to 
the man in the kicker’s position, the center should 
drop back out of the line and help to cover the space 
over center. 

Ends—move out with the offensive halfbacks and cover 
short passes to either the ends or the halfbacks. 

Halfbacks—cover passes to the ends or to halfbacks who 
come deep. 

Fullback—covers any eligible receiver who comes over the 
center area. 

Quarterback—covers any eligible man who is not covered 
by the other backs. 



A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 


123 


2 . Open Formation—Two Halfbacks Playing Wide on the 
Same Side. 

L 

Q 

R F 

O OOXOO O 

E T G C G T 

F E 


L R 

Guards—play in their normal defensive positions and 
charge in aggressively to develop the play. 

Tackles—widen a little so as to be in a better position to 
break up end runs and hurry the passer. 

Center—plays in the line because of the threat of a line 
buck by the fullback. If the ball is passed direct to 
the man in the kicker’s position, the center should 
drop back out of the line and help to cover the space 
over center. 

Left End—Moves outside of the offensive backs. From 
this position he can still cover end runs and short 
passes to one of the backs behind the line. 

Right End—drops back about 4 yards behind his own 
tackle to reinforce the line and cover passes made 
into the center area. 

Halfbacks—cover all long passes to the ends or to half¬ 
backs who come deep. 

Fullback—widens and covers any receiver who comes into 
center area. 




124 A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

Quarterback—covers any receiver who is not covered by 
the other backs. 

3. Open Formation—Line and Backfield Spread I. 


L 



c 


E 



Guards and Tackles—play inside of their opponents and 
drive through to develop the play. 

Ends and Center—drop back about 4 yards and watch for 
runs and short passes. 

Halfbacks—cover all long passes on their respective sides. 

Fullback—covers all long passes over center. 

Quarterback—covers any eligible man that is not covered 
by the other backs. 



A MANUAL OF FOOTBALL FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 125 


4. Open Formation—Line and Backfield Spread II. 


L 


F 

O O O 
T 


Q 

X 

G G 
C 


H 

O O O 
T E 


H 


F 



Ends—play on the line and watch for end runs and short 
passes. 

Tackles—play in the space between the offensive guards 
and tacklers and drive through to prevent line bucks 
by the halfbacks. 

Guards—play in close and watch for runs over center by 
the quarterback and halfbacks. They also hurry the 
passer if the ball is passed direct to him. 

Center—plays back about 4 yards and watches for runs and 
short passes over center. 

Halfbacks—cover all long passes on their respective sides. 

Fullback—covers all long passes over center. 

Quarterback—covers any eligible player who is not cov¬ 
ered by the other backs. 

























































■ 




































































































































